What term describes a terrorist group that is primarily supported by a country or state?

The term that describes a terrorist group primarily supported by a country or state is "state-directed." This concept refers to instances where a government provides backing, including funding, training, and resources, to a terrorist organization to further its own political, military, or ideological goals. Such support can grant these groups considerable advantages, such as greater operational capacity and sustainability, since they may receive logistical help and military technology that would not be available to independent organizations.

In contrast, other terms like "self-directed" refer to groups that operate independently without state support, relying solely on their own resources and ideological motivations. "Independent" similarly denotes a lack of affiliation with any state, often implying self-sufficiency and grassroots mobilization. The term "private" might inaccurately suggest a non-public or secretive nature but does not encapsulate the relationship between state support and terrorist organizations, which is fundamental to the "state-directed" descriptor. Thus, understanding the nuances of state involvement in terrorism is crucial for identifying the nature and dynamics of such groups.