Who Are Terrorists? The Difference Between “Terrorists” and “Heroes”

What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the word “terrorist”? Many people might imagine frightening individuals who use bombs or threats, like the ones often seen in the news. However, in some countries, a person labeled as a “terrorist” may be praised as a “hero who fought for justice” in another country.

For example, there is a saying: “One person’s terrorist is another person’s freedom fighter.” In other words, whether someone is considered a terrorist can change depending on perspective. So what exactly is the difference between a terrorist and a hero? This article will explain this topic in a simple way, using historical examples and international viewpoints.

What Kind of People Are Terrorists?

In fact, there is no formal international rule or definition that clearly states “this is what a terrorist is.” While the United Nations and various countries have created anti-terrorism rules, none of them provide an exact definition.

Generally, however, terrorists are understood as people who use violence or threats to instill fear in others for political purposes.

This “violence” includes armed attacks, bombings, hijackings, and assassinations. The major issue is that these acts often target ordinary citizens or children—people who have nothing to do with the conflict—causing widespread fear.

How Are They Different from “Freedom Fighters”?

The tricky part is that sometimes those fighting for freedom also use violence. For example, when people are ruled by foreign powers or suffer discrimination, some may rise up, believing they must fight for their freedom and human rights.

However, the method matters. Even if the goal is just, if they kill or terrify innocent people, it is considered terrorism.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan once said:

“Freedom fighters do not terrorize or kill civilians. Terrorists target defenseless people and seek to spread fear.”

In short, even if the cause is right, if the means are brutal, people may be labeled as terrorists.

Heroes and Terrorists in History

● Nelson Mandela (South Africa)

Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid, the system of racial discrimination in South Africa. At first, he engaged in peaceful activities, but when they proved ineffective, he temporarily resorted to armed resistance. As a result, he was labeled a “terrorist” by the government and even by the United States.

However, Mandela later became the President of South Africa and worked hard to eliminate discrimination. Today, he is celebrated worldwide as a “hero who fought for human rights.”

● Irish Republican Army (IRA)

The IRA was a group that sought independence from British rule. Because they used violence, such as bombing military and police facilities, they were called “terrorists.” However, from the Irish perspective, they were “freedom fighters who fought for their homeland.”

Later, peace negotiations advanced, and some IRA members became politicians, choosing to solve problems through peaceful means.

● Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)

The PLO, representing the Palestinian side in its conflict with Israel, also used armed struggle in the past and was labeled a “terrorist organization.” However, they later chose the path of negotiation and were recognized by Arab countries and the United Nations as the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people.

Why Do “Labels” Change?

The labels “terrorist” or “hero” often carry political meaning. For example, a country might call those who oppose it “terrorists” while calling its allies “heroes.”

Media, school textbooks, and the internet also shape public perception of who is “right.” On social media (X, Instagram, etc.), people often gather only among those who share the same views, sometimes labeling the opposing side as evil without truly understanding their perspective.

Therefore, when we encounter news or historical events, it is essential to think carefully: “Who is speaking, and from what position?”

Conclusion: The Difference Between Terrorists and Heroes Lies in “Methods” and “Perspectives”

In this article, we have looked at the difference between terrorists and heroes. To summarize:

• Even with a just cause, using violent methods can lead to being seen as a terrorist.
• Targeting unrelated civilians is almost always considered terrorism.
• A hero to one person may appear as a terrorist to another.
• History shows that evaluations change over time and across perspectives.
• Media, education, and social media influence our image of “justice.”

We need to develop the ability to look beyond labels and carefully consider why people act the way they do and how they do it.

ずっとピースらぼ｜Eternal Peace Lab

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ずっとピースらぼ管理人のわんぞーです。イギリスの大学院で平和学を学び、その後国際協力の専門家や大学の教員として仕事をしてきました。ずっとピースらぼでは、「優しい」と「易しい」の両方の意味をこめて、「やさしい平和教育」を発信しています。中学生や高校生にもわかりやすい内容を届けることで、いつの日か争いのない社会にできたらいいな、と思っています。 ｜Eternal Peace Lab shares information about easy-to-understand peace education. By delivering content that students can easily grasp, we hope to one day achieve world peace.