What Has Propelled International Terrorism, Term Paper Example

Introduction

An examination of the effect of globalization in the modern world reveals that globalization is an issue that has fueled international terrorism. Terrorists have transcended borders causing international terrorism to be among the major concerns of globalization. In this era of globalization when there is increased connection and interdependence between nations, international terrorism has posed threats to international security. Despite the tremendous benefits that have been obtained from globalization, it has also caused many nations to face threats. This paper examines how globalization through the introduction of modern technologies, modern integrated economies, and political integration has contributed to terrorism. These three critical aspects have fueled international terrorism in the global arena because, through them, new awareness on terrorism has been enhanced. Terrorists have also even managed to declare their success using such media. Global terror in the modern world is an issue that has posed problems for all humanity.

Modern technologies have caused many domestic terrorists to transform their domestic conflicts to international conflict. Despite the television being one of the enhancements that has accompanied globalization, it is among the media that has fueled international terrorism. With the introduction of the television, many people in the world have been informed about terrorism. Other terrorists have managed to get pictures of the attacks causing them to learn new strategies. An example of how the television has fueled international terrorism can be illustrated from the case of the Al-Qaida. During the 1990s, members of the Al-Qaida communicated through traditional media. This involved storytelling, faxes, and face-to-face propaganda. However, in 1998, a shift in the methods of communication used by the group was seen. This was attributed to the technological advancements in the country and the introduction of the Aljazeera television network. The Aljazeera acted as a channel that was used to broadcast the messages of the Al-Qaida across Muslim countries. Some of the tapes would then be distributed to CNN and other news stations in the world. Despite the media enhancing globalization, it mutated from the role of being a critical observer in the world to an active participant in international terrorism. Critics illustrates that the symbiotic relationship that exists between the media and terror events is among the factors that has fueled international terrorism (Wilkinson, 1993). This is because with the lack of television publicity, the perpetrators of violence would have less impact on the world. The media through television networks have contributed to international terrorism because they can never resist covering some of these events. The coverage of such videos has enhanced terrorists with skills and strategies that they use to stage other attacks.

Another example illustrating how the media and television networks have contributed to international terrorism can be illustrated from the 9/11 attacks. It is argued that, after the attacks, Al-Qaida managed to expand their communication methods and infrastructure considerably. It is evident that the attack led to the formation of the Ah-Sahab. This was a foundation of the Islamic media publication and was the major media production division of Al-Qaida. Despite the media, for example, the television being examined as one of the mainstream news sources in the world, it should be noted that it is among the technological methods that has fueled the coverage of terrorist messages. There is the imminent danger that television will be an outlet for terrorist spin in case investigations and research by journalists does not give context and depth. It is argued that the obsessive and intensive coverage in most newsrooms normally results to the desired psychological effects among many terrorists (Don, 2007).

The other technological development that has been brought about by globalization that has contributed to international terrorism is the internet. Despite the internet being one of the powerful technological tools that plays a significant role in globalization, it is also among the factors that has fueled international terrorism. It is evident that terrorists have resolved to using the internet as a method of communicating. Other than communication, people all over the globe have had the chance of viewing some of the propaganda images that are normally published on terrorist sites. Despite attempts by western governments to intensify surveillance of the sites, prosecution of the site operators has normally been hampered following concerns of civil liberties (Clarke, 2004).

The internet is a powerful globalization tool that has been used by tourists in accomplishing terrorism. Terrorists have used chat rooms and online message boards to coordinate attacks, share information, raise funds, spread propaganda and recruit other terrorists. Research reveals that the number of terrorist sites on the internet has increased from 100 to approximately 4,800 in the past two years. An example can be shown from Al-Qaeda. The use of the internet among members of this group led to the promulgation of other sister sites. This implies that, with the availability of the internet, there is likely to be a proliferation trend on international terrorism. Other than enhancing connection between terrorists, the websites have also served as virtual training grounds used by many tourists. It is evident that, through such sites, terrorists can interact and offer tutorials on terrorist acts, for example, the firing of surface to air missiles, the building of bombs, and the shooting of soldiers. One example of such tutorial in the internet has been illustrated from the shooting of U.S soldiers, and sneaking into Iraq after terrorism. Terrorist sites, which host propaganda videos and messages, have also been established in the internet. This has led to an increase in morale, the development of fundraising networks and the expansion of recruitment networks (Pieth, Thelesklaf & Ivory, 2009).

Terrorists have used the internet to spread propaganda. An example can be illustrated from the Al-Qaida cell located in Iraq. This site has garnered attention of users and other individuals by posting the events such as roadside bombings, and the execution of some diplomats. Many people all over the world and persons who sympathize with insurgents and terrorists have accessed these sites. This illustrates how the internet is a technological development that has contributed to terrorism (Clarke, 2004).

Despite the internet being a tool that should be used to enhance interaction in the modern world, terrorist have obtained tremendous advantages from the internet. One of the reasons, why the internet fuels international terrorism is because of the high degree of secrecy. Many international terrorist also tend to be informed on the advancements on the internet. Terrorists also use sophisticated encryption tools and creative methods, which ensure efficient and secure methods of correspondence (Clarke, 2004).

The introduction of Smartphones in the world contributed to tremendous changes in the world. This is because the devices have normally been used for espionage. However, studies indicate that terrorist groups, for example, Al-Qaeda have used the devices to gain intelligence from some of the law enforcement officials and other agencies that work in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. Evidence has been obtained from Jihadica.com, which highlights that members of the Al-Qaeda now concentrate on the mobile phone technology. This has helped the group in obtaining information on intelligence gathering. They have also used the devices to promulgate the messages to the young and the impressionable. The smart phone technology has enhanced the broadcasting of digital messages of subversion to new recruits. Before the development of smart phones, the multimedia features on the internet were used to enhance communication between terrorists. The enhancement of personal area networks in such devices has fueled international terrorism. This is because the devices have been used in broadcasting some of the localized pocket-to-pocket data. To illustrate how the smart phones have been used to fuel international terrorism, many recruits in the terrorist groups leave the Bluetooth’s of their phones fully discoverable. This makes them capable of receiving messages from other terrorists. It is evident that Al-Qaida uses high power Bluetooth transmitters to enhance communication through such devices. The transmitters reach hundreds of feet and they can be used to broadcast multimedia messages to many recruits. Analysts indicate that, without the smart phones, some of the terrorist groups would have been eliminated long ago. The Smartphone’s have contributed to international terrorism as a global problem because with the devices, terrorist have been capable of pushing real time domestic issues to international avenues quickly. The devices have enhanced the coordination of demonstrations, causing people to quickly push the demonstrations to conflicts and acts of terrorism (Fenwick, 2012).

The development of modern integrated economies is another issue that has accompanied globalization. The integration of economies involves an arrangement between regions, in an attempt to eliminate or reduce trade barriers, and to enhance the coordination of fiscal and monetary policies. The establishment of modern integrated economies in the modern world has normally been to enhance the reduction of costs for producers and consumers in different regions. It is evident that, as many economies become integrated, the fewer the trade barriers become. This enhances political and economic coordination between countries. The establishment of modern integrated economies in the world has caused many regions to obtain short-term benefits such as the removal of trade barriers (Enders & Sandler, 2006).

The development of modern integrated economies, which has been brought about by globalization has reduced the powers of many governments. Despite the benefits that have been obtained from modern integrated economies, it is evident it is among the factors that have fueled international terrorism. It is argued that, despite the short-term benefits that have been obtained from the development of modern integrated economies, the integration is thought to have increased the gap between poor and rich countries. The modern integrated economies have fueled animosity and violence in most third world countries against the pioneers of globalization from the west. For example, it has normally been argued that the United States and other western counterparts have been projecting uncoordinated economic power. This has led to increased aggression among many third world countries in form of terrorism. This is because such countries believe the policies implemented by the pioneers are meant to disarticulate their economies living them poor.

Terrorism in many third world countries has been attributed to poverty, which is thought to be a product of globalization. The modern integrated economies are thought to contribute to international terrorism because of the existence of Bretton Wood institutions, for example, the World Bank, the World Trade Organizations and the International Monetary Fund. These have normally been controlled by the western capitalist states that are industrialized. Some of the reasons why the modern integrated economies are thought to contribute to international terrorism are because of the economic policies that emanate from the institutions. It is argued that the policies tend to attack many third world countries ensuring perpetual domination. The results of the policies have been structural adjustment programs resulting to increased poverty in some governments. This has led to the cursing and increased hatred of governments that surround some of the institutions. To express the hatred, there have been increased violent attacks on governments that guard such institutions (Seck, D. (2013). Following the 9/11 attacks in the united states, the Canadian Minister of Commerce Paul Martin revealed that the terrorist never had the intentions of destroying lives, but they wanted to destroy the way of life of the American people. The minister illustrated that the terrorists never chose their target randomly. Instead, they chose the world trade center that stood in the middle of the international financial district. The building was targeted for a reason. The reason of the act was to cripple economic activity in the United States, and paralyze financial relations. It is also argued that the terrorists wanted to create barriers between economies, people and countries. The 9/11 attacks have normally been used as an example to illustrate how the establishment of modern integrated economies have led to international terrorism. This is because leaders of globalization, for example, the United States have normally been the major targets (Volz, 2011).

An example of how modern integrated economies have led to terrorism has been illustrated from the case of Nigeria. It is argued that the country has had a fair share of evil effects because of globalization. Globalization has led to terrorist activities in the country because of the policies of governments that were bought from the World Bank and the IMF in the 1980s. These led to economic hardships among citizens in the country causing them to react against the policies. It is evident that the policies set a stage for violence in the country causing militants to adopt terrorist tactics in an attempt to fight the government.

Political Integration

Political integration involves the formation of state based regimes and the cooperation between states. Critics illustrate that this aspect of globalization enhances the strengthening of political systems in a given scope and capacity. Other than the institutional aspect, political integration also involves a normative dimension that concentrates on creating a political community. Despite the different global benefits that have been associated with political integration, this aspect of globalization has played a role in fueling international terrorism. International terrorism has been on the rise because of citizens of a country wanting to effect change within a political system. This desire of change has caused people to resolve to violence and threats increasing terrorism (Martin, 2010). Some aspects of international terrorism that have occurred because of political integration include political-religious, ethno-national, and state-sponsored terrorisms. International terrorism is considered a violent methodology of politics that is normally employed by weaker parties. Most incidents of international terrorism have been driven by politics, however, critics attribute terror attacks to ethnicity, religion, linguistics and moral terms. Examples have been provided to illustrate how political integration has contributed to international terrorism. It is evident that Al-Qaida and other affiliated groups do not attack the west because of theological differences, however, most of the attacks are political in nature. It is argued that such groups attempt to express their grievances on issues such as colonialism, economic oppression and political corruption. Despite many of the public documents presented by terrorist groups invoking religion, the objectives are normally political (Engeland & Rudolph, 2008).

Conclusion

International terrorism is one of the aspects that has been brought about by globalization. The different aspects of globalization that have led to terrorism include technological advancements, for example, television, the internet and smart phones and other devices. Other than technological advancements, the development of modern integrated economies and political integration between nations are other aspects that have fueled international terrorism. Addressing these aspects of terrorism may be difficult; however, one strategy that can be used is the removal of the root causes of terrorism. This can only happen if governments ensure good governance in their countries.

References

Clarke, D. (2004). Technology and terrorism. New Brunswick, NJ u.a.: Transaction Publishers.

Don, B. W. (2007). Network technologies for networked terrorists: Assessing the value of information and communications technologies to modern terrorist organizations. Santa Monica, Calif: RAND Corporation.

Enders, W., & Sandler, T. (2006). The political economy of terrorism. New York [u.a.: Cambridge Univ. Press.

Engeland, A. ., & Rudolph, R. M. (2008). From terrorism to politics. Aldershot, England: Ashgate.

Fenwick, H. (2012). Developments in counter-terrorist measures and uses of technology. London: Routledge.

Martin, G. (2010). Understanding terrorism: Challenges, perspectives, and issues. Los Angeles: Sage.

Pieth, M., Thelesklaf, D., & Ivory, R. (2009). Countering terrorist financing: The practitioner’s point of view. Bern: Peter Lang.

Seck, D. (2013). Regional Economic Integration in West Africa. Cham: Imprint: Springer.

Wilkinson, P. (1993). Technology and terrorism. London u.a.: Cass.

Volz, U. (2011). Regional Integration, Economic Development and Global Governance. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Pub.