A social media personality’s recent comments about the United States’ role as a source of terror globally have provoked widespread discussion about the use and definition of the term. In an article for Newsweek, CERL Advisory Council Member Geoffrey Corn and Affiliated Faculty Member Mary Ellen O’Connell weigh in on the legal and practical dimensions of terrorism. Professor Corn argues that there is only broad consensus on its meaning, absent a precise internationally accepted definition, and that accidental collateral harm to civilians is substantively different from the intent to harm them. Professor O’Connell, on the other hand, asserts that there is an actionable definition under international law, but that it has yet to be applied due to political obstacles.

Geoffrey S. Corn is the George R. Killam, Jr. Chair of Criminal Law and Director of the Center for Military Law and Policy at Texas Tech University School of Law. A retired U.S. Army Judge Advocate Officer, he served as the Army’s senior law of war advisor. He is also a member of the CERL Advisory Council. Read his bio here.   

Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law and Research Professor of International Dispute Resolution—Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame. Read her bio here.  

The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of any organization or university.