How is the effectiveness of terrorism measured according to assessments?

The effectiveness of terrorism is best measured by psychological impact and sophistication because these factors directly relate to the purpose and goals of terrorist groups. Terrorists often aim to instill fear, provoke a reaction from governments, and inspire sympathy for their causes. The psychological effect on the target population is crucial; it can influence public opinion, affect policy decisions, and create a sense of vulnerability within society.

Additionally, sophistication refers to the level of planning, execution, and messaging behind terrorist acts. A highly sophisticated attack that achieves significant psychological impact may be seen as more effective than numerous less impactful events. By assessing both how deeply an attack resonates with a population's fears and the strategic complexity involved, analysts can better evaluate the success of terrorist operations in achieving their aims.

While public awareness, the number of incidents, and historical context can provide some insights, they do not encompass the full measure of effectiveness in terms of achieving the intended psychological and societal impact.