What is the primary aim of terrorism as defined by the United Nations?

The primary aim of terrorism, as defined by the United Nations, centers around the objective of compelling action or inaction from governments or organizations. This approach emphasizes that terrorism often uses fear, violence, or the threat of violence to manipulate political circumstances, pressure decision-makers, or influence public perception and behavior.

The use of terror serves not only to inflict harm but also to achieve specific political goals by instilling fear, thus making it a strategic tool for those who perpetrate such acts. Terrorists often target civilians or non-combatants to cause disruption and attract attention to their cause, thereby prompting the desired responses from authorities or society at large.

Understanding this aim is crucial for recognizing how terrorist acts are designed to engage with political systems, provoke governmental responses, or sway public opinion, which makes the compulsion of action or inaction a central feature of terrorism's broader aims.