Thought Exercise: Definition of Terrorism  

There's been some talk recently about adopting an international definition of terrorism constructed in such a way as to distinguish it from rebellion (which may or may not be legitimate). Piracy was dealt a significant blow by an international definition combined with a treaty signed by virtually all nations allowing them to undertake actions against pirates even on the high seas, where nations are generally forbidden to interfere in the movements of other vessels (or risk being charged with piracy themselves).

The definition used varies slightly from country to country, but is basically what the US Dept of Defense uses:

"An illegal act of violence, depredation (e.g., plundering, robbing, or pillaging), or detention in or over international waters committed for private ends by the crew or passengers of a private ship or aircraft against another ship or aircraft or against persons or property on board such ship or aircraft."

Note that this definition excludes privateering, which is sanctioned by another nation, and of course actions undertaken on orders from the legitimate government of a nation. While piracy is seen as cool and fun in some cases, it is also a powerful word in that it strikes fear in those about to fall victim as well as those charged with it.

So here's the challenge: As a group, we will try to come up with a definition of terrorism such that it could be codified similarly to piracy. We must try to stay away from something too vague but at the same time not get too specific.