What concept describes the use of violence to achieve political goals?

The concept that describes the use of violence to achieve political goals is terrorism. This term specifically refers to acts designed to instill fear or terror within a broader audience, not just the immediate victims of the violence. Terrorism is often used by non-state actors to influence government policies, sway public opinion, or provoke particular political actions by creating an atmosphere of fear. It can involve a wide range of violent tactics, including bombings, shootings, and hostage-taking, all aimed at drawing attention to a political cause.

In contrast, political repression refers to government actions that limit political freedom or expression, coercion involves forcing someone to act in a certain way through threats or intimidation, and insurgency typically describes a rebellion against a constituted authority or government with the aim of overthrowing it. Each of these concepts relates to political dynamics but does not encapsulate the specific strategy of using violence to intimidate or terrorize for political ends, which is the focus of terrorism.