In human history, terrorism has evolved in various forms, although its latest manifestation and the term itself have undergone significant changes. I felt like writing this article after the terrorist attack that occurred on 22nd April 2025 in Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam, to give a brief understanding of terrorism and its underlying causes, and the global impact on our societies all over the world.
The Origin
Terrorism is derived from the Latin word “terrere,” meaning “to frighten.” Although politically motivated violence has existed since ancient times, especially among the ancient Greeks and Romans, the term gained recognition during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror (1793-1794), when the revolutionary government systematically used violence to eliminate its perceived enemies.
Modern terrorism did not take shape until the late 19th century with the anarchist movements in Europe and Russia when Tsar Alexander II was killed in 1881 by the group Narodnaya Volya (“People’s Will”), which showcases one of the earliest examples of modern terrorism that uses targeted violence to achieve a political agenda and generate fear beyond the immediate victims.
Evolution of Terrorism in the 20th Century
In the 20th century, terrorism has evolved along numerous noticeable stages:
1st Stage Decolonization terrorism (1920s-1960s): Groups like the Irgun in British Mandatory Palestine, the FLN in Algeria, and the IRA in Northern Ireland used terrorist strategy to battle against colonial powers.
2nd Stage Terrorism of Left-wing (1960s-1980s): Groups like Germany’s Red Army Faction, Italy’s Red Brigades, and Japan’s Red Army created violence to pursue the revolutionary Marxist objectives.
3rd Stage National Separatist terrorism (1960s-present): Establishment of organizations like ETA in Spain, the PKK in Turkey, and numerous Palestinian groups used terrorism to pursue their nationalist goals.
4th Stage Religion Terrorism (1980s-present): The rise of groups inspired primarily by religious ideologies, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and others who represent violence as divinely sanctioned.
The Main Cause Behind Terrorism
Terrorism evolves from numerous interacting factors, such as:
- Political unfairness: Perceived injustice, oppression, occupation, or deprivation of a right.
- Recognition and belonging: Ethnic, religious, or ideological disempowerment.
- Economic factors: Poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities
- Ideological framing: Extremist ideologies that make violence acceptable
- Failed states and ungoverned spaces: Places where terrorist groups can operate with freedom.
- Historic trauma: Unsolved collective wounds and injustice
- Effective Globalization: Cultural separation and swift societal changes
The Impact of Terrorism Globally
Societies are affected in numerous ways:
Security and Policy Responses
- Increased security measures and inspection
- Creation of the latest counter terrorism agencies and international cooperation frameworks
- Military interventions in regions where terrorist groups are hiding
- Restrictions in the immigration policies of many countries
Social and Psychological Effects
- Spreading of fear and anxiety in affected populations
- Lack of trust development between communities
- Increase in discrimination and hate crimes against groups perceived as associated with terror attacks
- Psychological trauma for direct victims and witnesses
Economic Consequences
- Huge costs of attacks (damage to property, loss of life)
- Increased security expenses that divert resources from development
- Tourism and foreign investment decrease in the regions that are affected
- Insurance costs and market volatility in the aftermath of major attacks
Political Effect
- Shifts toward a more dictating governance in a few countries
- Debates about balancing security with civil liberties
- Rise of populist and nationalist movements to make the most out of fear
- Challenges to international cooperation and multilateral institutions
The Advancement of Modern Terrorism
With the increasing advancement the world terrorism also features many distinct characteristics:
- Decentralized networks: Lower-ranking organizations, with “lone wolf” attacks inspired rather than directed by terrorist groups.
- Adapting to technology: Exclusive use of the internet for recruiting, propaganda, and operational planning.
- Media strategy: Understanding how the media reacts to situations to increase psychological impact.
- National Boundary operations: Operating by the borders with a global aspiration.
- Unequal arrangement tactics: Using unconventional methods against more powerful enemies.
Combating Terrorism
The successful counter movement requires multiple approaches:
- Addressing root causes and grievances that adopt radical positions on political or social issues.
- Combining the intelligence, law enforcement, and military measures makes it a more powerful force.
- Promoting community flexibility and engagement.
- Countering extremist narratives and propaganda.
- Protecting civil liberties while enhancing security.
- International cooperation and capacity building.
Final Thoughts
In modern times, terrorism forms one of the most important security challenges. Understanding the complexity of its origins, motivations, and effects is crucial for developing effective strategies to counter and combat it. Although security measures are heavily important, lasting solutions must address the underlying conditions that allow terrorist ideologies to take root and flourish. Terrorism continues to evolve with time, so should be our approaches to preventing and responding to this global threat, and create a motive to end the roots of terrorism for creating a better future for mankind.
