Which of the following is NOT a common method used by terrorists?

Political protests are typically a legitimate form of expressing dissent or seeking change, and while they can sometimes involve unlawful acts, they are not inherently terrorist methods. Terrorism, by definition, often involves the use of violence or intimidation against civilians to achieve political aims. In contrast, hostage-taking, kidnapping, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are direct methods used by terrorists to instill fear, cause harm, or achieve specific goals through violence and coercion. These three methods clearly align with terrorist tactics as they deliberately target individuals or groups to create panic and leverage for political or ideological agendas. Thus, political protests stand apart from these more violent and coercive actions, making it the choice that is not a common method used by terrorists.