Different approaches to research of terrorism as a phenomenon of contemporary political reality

The article attempts to determine specific signs of the terrorism, distinguishing it from the related general social and criminal categories. The history of the phenomenon is reviewed. The author notes the essential changes of the terrorism: today it is no longer just a means of intimidation of individuals or a method of political assassinations, but a well-planned event with strong financial, ideological and political basis. The variety of terrorism manifestations allows scholars to study it in the context of many sciences, which complicates development of the common concept.