Introduction
There have been many unforeseen events in the 21st century that have changed the course of history forever. Apart from the advancements in the field of technology, the most noticeable change no doubt has been the emergence of terrorism which has been considered one of the biggest threats for the whole world. All over the world, terrorism has been continuously affecting the lives of people all across the globe. This has adversely affected the world peace at an alarming rate. Terrorism has affected all countries, be it a superpower United States of America or a developing country like India. The scourge of terrorism continues to spread its roots with the world having no concrete solution to tackle this. This has literally not only compromised the national security but has also led to a state of anarchy in different countries.
Far Reaching consequences of Terrorism
Terrorism and its Long-term Effects
The word terrorism has its root in the French revolutionary reign of Maximilien Robespierre, when millions of people were put to death in 1793–94, mostly at the guillotine.
In fact, it was after the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in United States, the world recognised terrorism as the biggest global threat and could no longer turn a blind eye to it as it was highly significant for the domestic or international security. The farreaching adverse effects of terrorism have to be comprehended candidly to understand why so many countries are investing billions of dollars to wipe out the scourge of terrorism from their regions. First of all, any terror attack can be a triggering factor to change foreign policies that may impact the relationship of a country either with its neighbouring countries or with some of those countries involved in trade partnerships The display of fear and distrust by countries for each other has been indeed very disappointing, though none of them may be at fault. A typical example for this can be of India and its neighbouring country Pakistan which have broken trade ties off and on in the wake of a terrorist attack. They have not even come to an understanding to keep some essential items away from the restricted list which has ultimately halted the realisation of potential opportunities that are highly crucial for the mutual growth and understanding.
Terrorism is known to kill innocent citizens and disturb peace in the region. There have been ulterior motives in the minds of terrorists who cause such heinous acts. But, the ultimate loser in the process is the common innocent civilians. The issue has become an everlasting one because of the world’s slow response on the issue and because of many other pressing issues like environmental damage, sanitation, food security that are at hand to be tackled. Traditionally, terrorist acts are mainly performed for religious reason; however this is not the sole reason for this. Terrorists can even be politically motivated to carry out attacks. Religious strife is one of the many ways that has been used to upset peace and harmony between people of different religious communities, leading to change in hostility between communities and a change in the policy for people of particular religion.
The situation of strife and distrust between countries like India and Pakistan or Palestine and Israel and Muslims who are waiting for opportunities to terrorise US and UK in the name of Jihad or Holy War has resulted in a number of terrorist attacks, causing the killing of a number of people in these countries. In recent past, even Latin American countries like Mexico, Peru, Columbia and Argentina have witnessed a number of terrorist activities. The recent terrorist attacks of London, Madrid, Chechanya (Russia) among others underline the cruelty of this threat. There have been a number of terrorist organisations like Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Indian Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-toiba that have become synonyms of terror in countries both in the East and the West. Names like Osama Bin-Laden, Dawood Ibrahim, Maulana Mashood Azhar among many others have become infamous because of their involvement in a number of terrorist activities across the world.
While India would like to spend a large portion of its GDP expenses on basic needs like education and health, unfortunately, it has to provide a large share of budget allocation to non-productive activities like defence so that the safety and security of the country could be kept intact. Problems like cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and turmoil due to naxalism within the country have compelled the country not ignore terrorism and in fact, they have become a countrywide topic of discussion during multilateral meetings. However, a part of the reason for people getting attracted to become a terrorist is that they are not being provided enough opportunities of employment in the country for making a living. Wrong or anti-national elements of the country take advantage of such situations and try corrupt young minds as part of their bigger strategy to kill or threaten people in lieu of getting money
Therefore, terrorism is seen in countries where people are not able to realise their basic needs for living because of a number of constraints existing in their countries.
Conclusion
Though countries have recognised terrorism as a global threat, much more is still required to tackle the menace. All the countries are yet to work harder so that world peace is not at stake. To ensure global peace, all the countries have to join hands together in countering the growing menace of terrorism and end violence, fear and bloodshed. A huge task but certainly not an easy one is at hand before the world to counter terrorism for which the countries would require to collaborate and reach a consensus to ascertain a terror-free country and in turn a world free of terror. It can be concluded that in recent times, if countries have to find a lasting solution to many of the problems blocking their progress, they should come together and make all efforts to restore world peace.