The problem of Global Terrorism: Causes and remedies
Terrorism is an ideology which believes in use of violence to create a wave of terror with intention of achieving certain political or sectarian objectives. It has become a global phenomenon and involves international linkages with other organisations, individuals and even states. Terrorist actors and their supporters, facilitators and financiers collaborate while remaining in different jurisdictions to organise acts anywhere in the world. Such terror groups are posing major threat to international peace, security and stability. As our current foreign minister had recently termed terrorism amongst the “gravest threats to humanity”.
The factors behind the rise of terror entities whose working methods used, places and people targeted transcends national boundaries are multi-dimensional. Some terrorists are driven by extremist religious or ideological beliefs that advocate violence against those who do not share their views. In some cases perceived injustice and oppression also leads to use of violence by the extremist sections. The support of terror groups by great power to achieve their geo-political goals is also responsible for the rise of terror groups to some extent. In some other instances, state actors directly sponsor or involve in the terror activities. Over last few decades, terrorism has also emerging as a competitive industry motivated by economic gains. The lack of concerted effort and its ineffectiveness to curb this menace has only aggravated the condition. The Social and cultural factors, use of modern technologies and distressing condition of some communities further creates the breeding ground and strengthen the process of the rise of such terror groups. These multi-dimensional factors also necessitates the need of the holistic approach to address this challenge like building global consensus against any form of terrorism, boosting security and intelligence capabilities of the nations, curbing terror financing, de-radicalisation measures etc. ©crackingcivilservices.com
Considering the criticality of the topic in current time it has become important to analyse it in a broad manner.
Causes of global terrorism
In some cases fundamentalist political or religious groups or even states have different world view which is not inline with the modern civilised society. So they try to use violence to enforce their medieval ideologies on those who do not share their views. For example, Al-Qaeda, which was responsible for the 9/11 attacks, is a Sunni Islamist militant group that seeks to establish a pan-Islamic caliphate and views Western influence as a threat to its ideology. Other examples being Boko Haram in Western and Central Africa, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant etc. Cultural factors can also play a role in such cases like glorification of terrorist in few muslim society by calling them Mujahid- Muslims who fight on behalf of the faith or the Muslim community (ummah).
Sometimes, Some individuals and groups use violence to protest against the sensed socio-political injustice or occupation of their land by others. For example, the Palestinian group Hamas cites the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories as a key motivator for its violent attacks. They consider the terrorist activities are cheapest way of war against a superior force. They also consider such activities as an effective tools to bring attention to their cause.
In many cases, political instability, corruption, and weak governance can create conditions that are conducive to terrorism, as well as making it harder for governments to effectively respond to terrorist threats. For example, the Taliban was able to gain power in Afghanistan in the 1990s by taking advantage of the political instability and civil war that followed the withdrawal of Soviet forces.
Occasionally, even state itself indulge in terror activities or sponsor terrorism. In fact totalitarian regimes of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Stalin virtually adopted terrorism as their State policy though they did not acknowledge it publicly. Pakistan’s support to the separatist forces in India in Punjab and J&K is example of state sponsor terrorism.
Equally important factor is the unwise policies of great powers towards the geopolitical issues in last few decades has also caused rise and strengthening of terror organisations. Today the Talibani group considered among international terrorists but once along with Osama bin laden they were called freedom fighters (Mujahedeen) and were supported by the US when they were the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. This helped the strengthening of the group both financially and militarily.
In recent years, economic motivations are also visible in the working of the terrorist organisations. Some terrorist organisations have been seen competing with each other for resources and followers. e.g. ISIS and Al-Qaeda, for resources, recruits, and media attention.
Further, the increasing interconnectedness of the world has led to clashes between different cultures and belief systems, which can sometimes result in violence. For example, the Norwegian far-right extremist Anders Breivik carried out a series of attacks in 2011 in which he killed 77 people, motivated by his anti-Muslim beliefs and a perceived threat to European culture. Similar incident happen in New Zealand 2029 which is known as Christchurch mosque shootings.
Moreover, use of modern technologies has provided new mobility and lethality to the terror organisations. For example, the risk of radicalisation through the Internet and social media, and terror financing using cryptocurrencies and crowdfunding platforms.
Remedies of Global terrorism
Addressing the complex challenge of global terrorism requires a comprehensive approach. Firstly, It involves address the root causes of terrorism by reducing political and social injustices, economic inequality, and cultural clash that can lead to feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and desperation.
There is also a need to de-link the terrorism and politics as our current foreign minister has stated that “terrorism is not political. It should not be used as a political tool, its consequences should not be made political”. De-linking of terrorism and politics will also create condition for building a broader consensus on the definition of terrorism. As our current home minister has stated that “If this consensus is not reached, we will not be able to combat terrorism unitedly. The resolve to fight terrorism in a united manner and the narrative of good terrorism and bad terrorism, and big terrorism and small terrorism, cannot run together”.
It is important that the India’s proposed the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) is accepted by all the U.N. members. Only through accepting a comprehensive definition of terrorism the world would send a clear and unambiguous signal to terrorists of the firm determination to work together to combat and eradicate this menace.
Similarly, to combat cross-border terrorism, we need cross-border cooperation. Interpol can be the best platform for that.
Enhancing security measures, improving intelligence infrastructure by measures like the use the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System, drone surveillance etc. can help us taking preventive steps.
Another important step in eliminating this menace is curbing the terror financing. Terrorism finance has aptly been termed as the lifeblood of terrorism. The use of financial tracking, use of sanctions and adhering to the standards set by the FATF (terrorist financing watchdog), to prevent terrorist financing can help in this regards.
Equally important tool in this fight against terrorism is countering ideological and religious extremism. Governments and civil society organisations can work to counter the extremist ideologies that motivate terrorist groups through education, awareness-raising, and promoting positive narratives that emphasize the shared values of all people. For example, promoting interfaith dialogue, investing in education and job training programs for young people at risk of being radicalized, and working with religious leaders to promote messages of peace and tolerance.
Thus, there is need of a multi-prong strategy to deal with this multi-faceted problem. Even taking all the comprehensive steps may not eradicate this threat completely. Its a continuous fight against an evil mindset. India has rightly adopted “zero tolerance” policy on terrorism which means that no terror activity will go unpunished. In line with this policy India has taken many measures like surgical strikes, Balakot airstrikes, constitution of the NATGRID, banning terror organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) e.g. recently Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF) were declared as terrorist organisations.
Going forwards, the classifying of terrorists as ‘bad, ‘good’ on basis of political convenience must end immediately. And message of civilised world must stress that the menace of terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. Its a global problem in the 21st century and must it must be dealt with global endeavour. ©crackingcivilservices.com
