On a Better Understanding of the Threat Posed by Terrorism in Albania

Abstract

This paper intends to provide a comprehensive description and differentiation of the terms terrorism, extremism and radicalization and to clarify that, though in everyday life and in various non-professional articles, they are frequently used interchangeably, they must be differentiated and clearly explained if we want to successfully prevent or, at least, to reduce the consequences posed by these threats. At the same time, this paper is an attempt to present the different ways described in the academic literature and political documents to define radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism, identifying the various characteristics of actors, individuals or organizations, seeking to engage in such activities as well as some ways to increase community capacity in taking appropriate steps to deal with root causes that can lead to violent actions.