UPSC Mains Daily Questions » Daily Answer Writing Challenge-12th August

Daily Answer Writing Challenge-12th August

Q1. Analyze the complexities and intensity of terrorism, as well as its causes, connections,  and unpleasant nexus. Also, identify measures that should be made to eliminate the  threat of terrorism. (250 Words 15 Marks) 

Answer: 

Terrorism is defined as the intentional use of violence or the threat of violence to instil terror in  governments or societies in order to force or frighten them in the pursuit of goals that are often  political, religious, or ideological. 

Causes of terrorism 

  • Ideological terrorism is promoted by a lack of political legitimacy, continuity, and integration  for the political margins. 
  • Perceptions of unfairness and deprivation, particularly among communities with distinct  cultures. This may result in civil unrest, which might include acts of terrorism.
  • Terrorist strategies are employed to force certain concessions, not just because someone feels  like randomly firing rockets at bystanders. 
  • According to socio-economic theories, those who experience various types of deprivation are  more likely to turn to terrorism or are more likely to be recruited by organisations that use  terrorist tactics. A few examples are poverty, a lack of educational opportunities, or political  repression. 
  • Extreme beliefs can sometimes breed animosity for other segments of society and lead to  terrorism. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are two  examples of terrorist organisations driven by ideology (LTTE). 
  • Religious Fanatism and State sponsored. 

Nexus of terrorism and Organised Crime: 

  • Terrorism and organised crime coexist to thrive and survive. Money laundering legalises the  financial benefits of organised crime, including extortion and kidnapping, and then uses them  to fund terrorist operations. 
  • Terrorist organisations tax drug traffickers in order to safeguard criminals in their controlled  territory. 
  • Terrorist organisations act as agents for hostile governments, which provide them with money  and shelter. 

The measures undertaken to combat terrorism are: 

  • Adoption of a Global Convention to Combat International Terrorism. 
  • Encourage inter-agency participation and information exchange, as well as facilitate collaborative  monitoring and threat assessment. 
  • National legislation must be updated with a clear definition of terrorist and organised criminal  offences. 
  • Generation of awareness and deradicalization of youth to wean them away from the clutches  of their influences. 
  • There is a need for National Counter Terrorism Centre. A centrally coordinated Terrorism Watch  Centre. 

Dealing with the menace of terrorism would require a comprehensive strategy with the involvement  of different stakeholders, the Government, political parties, security agencies, civil society and  media.