Introduction
Terrorism has been a contradicting issue in international politics. Religion and politics have been outlined to be the major causes of terrorism (Robertson 46). The issue of debate is whether terrorism can come to an end or it is too deep-rooted in the world to be eliminated. Terrorism has been in existence from long ago since ‘man came down from trees’ and before (Bjorgo 42). Apart from politics and religion, other causes of terrorism include nationalism/separatism, ethnicity, globalization, poverty and economic advantages, democracy, and dehumanization (Chandra 25). These causes will always be present in the world and thus brings the difficult task of finding the solution to the problem. Most people believe that terrorism is permanent and would never be eliminated completely. However, training young children to leave in peace with one another might be the first step to eliminating terrorism (Crenshaw 33).
The argument
History shows that terrorism has been present in the world since human creation. Tribes terrorized others for political and religious gains either to gain territory, acquire slaves, to look, or to take advantage of the weaker tribes in order to gain power (Lutz & Lutz 12). The stronger tribe would rule the weaker tribes until a more powerful and stronger tribe came along and took over. Tribe elders thereafter attributed their failure or success to the all-powerful creatures in humans and moods of mystical just like in today’s case (Bjorgo 51). For the last few centuries, religion has been terrorism’s main cause. Some misguided religion considers their faith as the only true religion serving the only true God. Due to the perception, they believe that other religions can either be killed or converted. Generally, terrorism can be said to arise from religious and political gains (Robertson 60).
Terrorism for political gains is as prevalent as religious gain terrorism. Some groups of people result to terrorism to resist an external oppressor (Chandra 38). They result in violence for separatist or nationalist reasons. Most of the time an ethnic group develops rivalry over another when it is disadvantaged in terms of political rights and voice, social status, economic opportunity, and cultural expressions(Bjørgo 61). Inequality in the distribution of scarce resources causes economic inequality between different tribes and countries which in the long run can lead to a political conflict. The free flow of weaponry also causes terrorism because people feel powerful when they operate with weapons (Lutz &Lutz 22).
Terrorism is a threat to all nations, both the powerful and the weak. This is because it causes human tragedies that are horrifying while at the same time creating devastating economic impacts (Crenshaw 36). Terrorism causes an economic slump due to fear of attack. The fear causes a high cost of security and decreased value of stocks. An example of market collapse is the collapse of airlines businesses after the 2001 September 11 attacks on America (Chandra 39). The most tragic side of terrorism is the loss of human life. The loss of human labor force affects the business worldwide and sometimes loss of economy key players. For example, the September 11 attacks saw the death of publicly owned reputable companies’ executives such as Morgan Stanley’s and American Express among other companies (Lutz & Lutz 34).
There is a solution to terrorism but one that involves a long-term commitment. Since terrorism is integrated throughout the world, it requires training young children to leave in peace with one another (Robertson 64). The generational attitude that is passed from parents to young ones about beliefs that certain communities and religions are inferior is the major cause of the rise in terrorism. The society, for example, the Muslim fanatics or followers teach their children to hate children from the Christian religion (Bjorgo 55). When the indoctrinated child grows he will be determined to wipe out the infidels who follow the other religion (Crenshaw 40).
Conclusion
Terrorism mostly arises when certain groups want to gain politically and religiously. These two causes in addition to inequitable distribution of resources result in violence that causes tragedies such as loss of lives and economic downfall. It is important for all-powerful and weak nations to find a solution to terrorism. Although it is hard to come up with a definite solution, peaceful reconciliations should be adopted. Just like Hitler stated “Give me a child of seven to educate, and I’ll produce an absolutely loyal Nazi for a lifetime” (Robertson, 1997), the young generation is the only hope for the end of terrorism.
References
Chandra, Ramesh. Global Terrorism: Potentials of world terrorism. Madison, CT: Gyan Publishing House. 2003.
Robertson, C. L. International politics since World War II: a short history. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe. 1997.
Crenshaw, M. Terrorism and international cooperation. New York, NY: Institute for East-West Security Studies. 1989.
Lutz, J. & Lutz, B. Global terrorism. New York, NY: Routledge, 2004.
Bjørgo Tore. Root causes of terrorism: myths, reality and ways forward. New York, NY: Routledge. 2005. Review of Sociology, 20, 49-79.