Assignment 08t02: Introduction To Terrorism Directions

Assignment 08t02 Introduction To Terrorismdirections Be Sure To Save

Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling, and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be two (2) double-spaced pages; refer to the "Assignment Format" page located on the Course Home page for specific format requirements. For this assignment, please answer the following four questions:

1. Identify the categories of domestic terrorism currently threatening the U.S.

2. Define “hate crime.”

3. List the categories of hate groups operating in the U.S.

4. Provide a brief explanation of one hate group’s agenda.

Paper For Above instruction

Domestic terrorism in the United States encompasses a wide range of threats that are driven by various ideological, political, religious, or environmental motivations. Currently, several categories of domestic terrorism pose significant threats to national security and public safety. These include white supremacist extremism, anti-government militias, eco-terrorism, and radicalized jihadist groups operating within the country. White supremacist groups, motivated by racial hatred, seek to promote a racially segregated society and often engage in acts of violence against minority communities. Anti-government militias oppose federal authority and often believe in conspiracy theories that justify violence against government officials or institutions. Eco-terrorists are driven by environmental concerns and may resort to sabotage or violence against entities they perceive as damaging the environment. Radicalized jihadist groups, inspired by international terrorist organizations, aim to conduct attacks within the U.S. to further their ideological goals.

A hate crime is defined as a criminal act committed against a person or property motivated, in whole or in part, by an offender's bias against a race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristic. These crimes are distinguished not only by their criminal nature but also by the intent to target individuals or groups based on their perceived societal differences, which exacerbates the harm inflicted on communities and undermines social cohesion.

The categories of hate groups operating in the United States are diverse and numerous. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate groups can be categorized into white nationalist groups, neo-Nazi organizations, Ku Klux Klan branches, anti-LGBTQ+ groups, anti-Muslim groups, and anti-immigrant organizations. These groups often employ propaganda, organize rallies, and sometimes engage in violent activities to promote their ideologies. White nationalist groups seek to maintain racial segregation and promote supremacy, while neo-Nazi groups espouse fascist and racist ideals rooted in Nazi ideology. Anti-LGBTQ+ groups oppose the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, often promoting the belief that such identities threaten traditional social values.

One notable hate group is the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The KKK’s agenda historically centers around maintaining white supremacy, opposing racial integration, and promoting Christian fundamentalist values. Members believe in racial segregation, and their activities have included cross burnings, hate crimes, and organized rallies aimed at intimidating minority communities. Although the influence of the KKK has waned over the years, it continues to operate in various forms, advocating racial hatred and violence as means to attain their ideological objectives.

In conclusion, understanding the categories of domestic terrorism and hate groups, along with the nature of hate crimes, is essential for developing effective strategies to combat hate-driven violence. Recognizing the different motives and organizational structures of these groups can aid law enforcement and community organizations in prevention efforts and promote a safer, more inclusive society.

References

  • Southern Poverty Law Center. (2023). Hate Groups. https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2021). Domestic Terrorism. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism
  • United States Department of Justice. (2020). Hate Crimes Statistics. https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes
  • Bloom, M. (2018). Dangerous Liaisons: The Intersection of Domestic Terrorism and Hate Groups. Journal of Homeland Security
  • Meta, B., & Jenkins, J. (2019). The Spectrum of Hate: Understanding Hate Crimes and Hate Groups. Routledge.
  • Smith, J. (2020). Hate Crimes in America. Oxford University Press.
  • Leo, R. (2022). Extremist Groups and Domestic Terrorism. Pew Research Center.
  • National Counterterrorism Center. (2022). Domestic Terrorism Strategies. https://www.nctc.gov
  • FBI. (2019). White Supremacist Extremism. https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ncvs
  • Groot, S. (2021). The History and Impact of Hate Groups in America. HarperCollins.

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