The root causes of terrorism

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Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the root causes of terrorism, which might be political systems and political administration and policies. It debates that without knowing the root cause of terrorism, there will be no plausible solution to the problem. Further, the paper tries to prove that the root causes of terrorism might not be economic, social, ideological or beliefs and religions. The core theme of terrorism can be injustice that is product of the political system and its activities. Therefore, the political system and decision-making are the root cause of terrorism. In short, this means that any suggestions to solve the problem of terrorism will not be successful unless they address the political system.

Keywords: Terrorism, prevention of terrorism, the root causes, democracy, wealth, justice, injustice

1. Introduction

People are not born terrorists and do not wake up one morning and suddenly decide to start planting bombs in public streets. Therefore, an important realisation here is that terrorism is a process and 'terrorism is a choice; it is a political strategy selected from among a range of options' (Silke, 1998). The process of terrorism has an historical background, which involves people who rightly or wrongly perceive that the political system is treating them harshly. This harsh treatment may even stretch back to their ancestors.

Terrorists may come from any country and any culture. Terrorism is a complex problem and its origins are diverse and, as Franks says, 'the study of terrorism has become preoccupied with the constant debate that revolves around explaining what actually constitutes terrorism and how to counter it. Instead of perhaps concentrating on why it actually occurs' (Franks, 2006).

Political actions can take any number of forms. However, one of the most radical forms of political violence is terrorism, and it is differentiated from the other forms of political violence. The differentiation is not completely understood by academics and practitioners, because there are different explanations about the origins of violence.

What justifies, supports violence, and causes grievances? Is it background conditions, such as political, social, cultural, economic and psychological issues, that cause those people to carry out terrorist atrocities? Alternatively, will focusing on these give relatively little explanation of the subject? What is the best way to explain terrorism?

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