How do criminal acts defined as terrorism aim to affect society?

The definition of terrorism inherently involves acts intended to instill fear and coercion within a society. Terrorism typically targets civilians and utilizes violence or the threat of violence to achieve ideological, political, or social objectives. The primary aim of such acts is to create a climate of fear, which can disrupt normal social functions and provoke reactions that may lead governments or organizations to change policies or alter behavior in a way that aligns with the terrorists' goals.

Increasing fear is crucial to the effectiveness of terrorist acts because it can lead to a breakdown in community trust and safety. By design, these acts are not focused on improving public safety or ensuring efficient law enforcement; rather, they exploit vulnerabilities within a society. The intention is not to foster community engagement but to alienate and polarize, which can further the terrorists' agenda by creating instability and discord.