Knowing the ways of terrorists and creating policies to counter their activities is not the same as understanding the principles of fear based social manipulation. From loving parent to insidious government every social institution uses fear to it's own benefit therefore there is no valid motive to have a clear and concise understanding of fear tactics in the general population, obedience is far more profitable.
Defining terrorism is a futile approach. Understanding ones own fears and one's own use of it, however, well who wants that?
RE: Critical Thinking Exercise: Why is Terrorism so Hard to Define?