The line between violence in general—war in particular—and terrorism is thin and porous. Though terrorism is mostly known as a technique used by dissidents and rebels against a political, economic or religious authority, it is often employed by governments or ruling groups against opponents or to intimidate a given population into submission. However, despite its ability to produce dramatic effects, terrorism is not an effective weapon and tends to boomerang on its instigators. Many revolutionary leaders have condemned it as a self-defeating manifestation of nihilistic individualism.
