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

The concept that best describes the use of violence to achieve political goals is terrorism. Terrorism typically involves the strategic use of violence or the threat of violence against civilians or non-combatants to instill fear and coerce governments or societies into meeting specific political objectives. This form of violence is often aimed at influencing public opinion, disrupting societal norms, or forcing governments to change policies.

In the context of counterintelligence, understanding terrorism is crucial as it encompasses not only the motivations behind such acts but also the methods employed by terrorist organizations. These methods can involve planning, execution, and even propaganda efforts to amplify the impact of the violence.

Political repression refers to the suppression of political dissent, which may involve violence but is not specifically characterized by the use of violence to instill fear among civilians for political gain. Coercion generally indicates the use of threats but does not inherently involve violence; it can include a range of pressures that may influence behavior. Insurgency typically refers to a rebellion against an established authority, which may include violent actions, but it usually implies a broader context of conflict rather than the targeted acts of terror aimed at inciting fear and intimidation for political ends.