What is a common method used in state-sponsored terrorism?

Covert operations are a common method used in state-sponsored terrorism because they allow a government to conduct actions that can destabilize or undermine an adversary without revealing its involvement. These operations are typically characterized by their secretive nature and can include a range of activities, such as sabotage, espionage, and support for non-state actors engaged in aggressive actions. By using covert operations, a state can achieve its strategic objectives while maintaining plausible deniability, which is critical in international relations and warfare.

Fundamental surveillance, while important in gathering intelligence, does not directly equate to the aggressive tactics characteristic of terrorism. Direct military action is generally overt and can lead to significant political consequences, making it less suitable for state-sponsored terror tactics. Psychological tactics might be employed as part of a broader strategy, but they are not as central to the operations of state-sponsored terrorism when compared to the utilization of covert methods, which are specifically focused on manipulation and subterfuge.