Problems of Definition and Typology of Political Violence

This article analyzes problems of definition and typology of political violence. It explains the relationships between the terms "power" and "violence". The definition of violence by World Health Organization ("the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against group of community, that either results in or has high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation") is found by the author as applicable. Political violence is identified by political motive which includes not only ideological, but also ethnical, religious and environmental motives, and in specific cases assassinations of political committed by organised crime groups. Contemporary use of the term "terrorism" (which is a specific form of political violence) makes it more difficult to distinguish between terrorism and war on the one hand and terrorism and other forms of political violence on the other hand.