The Shining Path was defined as a terrorist group by the Peruvian government because the group destroyed personal property. kidnapped important officials. used cruelty to achieve political goals. obtained money through drug trafficking.

The Shining Path was defined as a terrorist group by the Peruvian Government and other international governments because the group used violence against many levels of society including peasants, trade unionists, and elected officials. The group also has had ties to drug traffickers as well.