Which of the following elements is included in all definitions of terrorism?

The inclusion of civilian targets in all definitions of terrorism is a fundamental aspect because terrorism is essentially defined by the intentional targeting of non-combatants to instill fear, achieve a political objective, or bring attention to a particular cause. This tactic is what differentiates terrorism from conventional warfare, where military combatants are the primary targets.

When civilians become the victims of politically motivated violence, it creates a pervasive atmosphere of fear within a society, which is often the intended outcome of terrorist activities. The impact on civilians and the disruption to everyday life are central to the motivations behind acts labeled as terrorism. Thus, the focus on civilian targets is not only a critical characteristic of the act itself but also a defining feature that helps in understanding the broader implications of terrorism on society as a whole.