To fit a phenomena or a human activity of any kind to an exact definition is not just a mere philological-academic exercise: not at all.
From a correct definition, the boundaries which circumscribe the object of our attention are drawn, and from these boundaries consequent behaviour is drawn.
In this number, two articles are dedicated to the research of definitions which are tied to topics of great interest: the first is ‘intelligence’, an Anglo-Saxon neologism which defines the finality and operative philosophy of a ‘secret’ Service.
The second, is an in-depth analysis, the boundaries between ‘resistance’ and ‘terrorism’; terms for which one definition, rather than another, has not only scientific, but also political value.
With regard to ‘intelligence’, it was felt by the Institute for the Italian Encyclopaedia that a correct definition was necessary and for the Book of the Year 2005, our Director was asked to clarify the term. By kind permission of the Institute, we offer our readers an article which we feel definitively clarifies what a modern Intelligence Service is, and what it does.
On the binomial terrorism-resistance, which has so many political, operative and judicial implications, we are not offering irrefutable answers, but we are keeping a debate open, which will go ahead in the following numbers, and which intends to furnish a non-abstract contribution to who, at all levels, will face a phenomena which is destined to be with us for a very long time.
Also for these reasons, we have dedicated a good part of this edition to the various political, religious, social and operative aspects of the diverse forms of international extremism/terrorism with which we must live and also, as citizens, can more efficiently combat by better knowing the history, ideology and strategy of our enemy.
However, we have not completely neglected domestic affairs, to which we have dedicated the articles on the history of the Proletarian Armed Squads (NAP) and the Neapolitan ‘cammora’, both themes tied to a very old theory of a connection between common organized crime and terrorism.
Finally, we draw the readers’ attention to the French legislation on terrorism, in appendix.
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The Editor |
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