AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPLICATION OF TERRORISM ON GLOBAL SECURITY FROM 2010 – 2023)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Over the past few decades, the phenomena of terrorism has dramatically changed and grown, becoming a major threat to international security. The world saw a number of horrific terrorist acts between 2010 and 2023, as well as the emergence of extremist organizations that changed the face of international security. The threat posed by well-known groups like al-Qaeda, the Islamic State (ISIS), and their numerous regional affiliates has persisted throughout this time (Vasiliev & Zherlitsyna, 2023), and new, localized terrorist organizations have also emerged. In addition to using technology, social media, and international networks to recruit people, propagate their ideologies, and plan assaults, these groups have also committed acts of violence.

In the twenty-first century, terrorism has grown to be a ubiquitous and enduring menace to international security. Between 2010 and 2023, there was a notable increase in terrorist activity worldwide, with the emergence of numerous groups and ideologies. This background provides context for analyzing the effects of terrorism on international security in this era (Institute for Economics & Peace. 2023). Terrorism has had a significant impact on the state of global security in a number of ways. Revaluating and improving security tactics has become imperative for governments due to the increasing number, severity, and complexity of terrorist attacks. The conventional definition of security has expanded to encompass elements like information exchange, cyber security, counterterrorism, and de-radicalization prevention. Beyond the immediate loss of life and property, terrorism has far-reaching effects on economies, international relations, and society everywhere by causing widespread fear and instability (Europol, 2023).

Important occurrences throughout this period highlight how serious the problem is. With ISIS's ascent and caliphate declaration in 2014, international terrorism entered a new phase, resulting in a wave of high-profile assaults across Europe, Africa, and Asia as well as pervasive carnage in the Middle East. During this time, there was also a rise in "lone wolf" assaults, which are acts carried out individually and are difficult to anticipate or stop. These attacks are frequently motivated by radical ideologies. Global security was further complicated by the migration crisis, which was partly caused by the crises in Syria and Iraq. In many nations, there was controversy over the possibility of terrorists infiltrating refugee movements (Homeland Security Digital Library. 2023).

There have been series of approaches taken in the fight against terrorism, including military operations, diplomatic initiatives, multinational alliances, and local counterterrorism measures. While there have been substantial geographical gains from operations against terrorist strongholds, such as the international military effort against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, there has also been discussions about the long-term effectiveness and moral implications of such tactics. Drone strikes, surveillance, and tighter border controls have drawn criticism for raising anti-Western feelings and possibly violating human rights, which can feed the cycle of violence (Singh, 2022)

A thorough analysis of the complex effects of terrorism is necessary to comprehend the ramifications for international security from 2010 to 2023. Examining the development of terrorist methods, the efficacy of counterterrorism measures, and the wider socio-political ramifications are all part of this. This kind of evaluation is essential for formulating well-informed and practical policies that not only deal with the current threat but also aim to find long-term solutions for world peace and stability. The objective of this research is to enhance comprehension by offering an in-depth examination of the patterns, obstacles, and reactions concerning terrorism during this pivotal time.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The years 2010 to 2023 saw a significant change in the terrorist landscape as a result of the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS), which took advantage of the power vacuums left by the Syrian Civil War and the instability in Iraq. In 2014, ISIS declared its own caliphate and gained territory, which signaled a significant shift in the group's tactics and goals. Additionally, the group began using social media for recruitment and propaganda (Jarvis & Lister, 2015). The rise in terrorism between 2010 and 2023 has put major strain on international security structures, calling for a careful evaluation of its ramifications. The character and extent of terrorist activity have changed during this time, giving rise to dangers that are more complex and pervasive and have disturbed global peace and stability. The creation of new regional terrorist organizations and the survival of established groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS have shown that these groups are capable of recruiting people across borders, taking advantage of global networks, and carrying out actions that can have far-reaching effects.

During this time, Al-Qaeda and its allies remained active and continued to plan strikes all around the world. Furthermore, regional instability has been exacerbated by the continued operations of regional terrorist groups including the Taliban in Afghanistan, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and Boko Haram in Nigeria (Byman, 2016). In the late 2010s and early 2020s, the global counter-terrorism efforts led to the decline of ISIS's territorial control. However, the group adapted by decentralizing and inspiring lone-wolf attacks across the globe. The fall of Kabul to the Taliban in 2021 reignited concerns about Afghanistan becoming a sanctuary for terrorist groups, potentially fostering new threats (Bergen, 2021).

Despite worldwide attempts to stop it, terrorism still poses a serious threat to international security and harms people on a personal, community, and national level. Between 2010 and 2023, there was a continuous and changing threat from terrorism, with different groups and ideologies arising and proliferating all across the world. Thus, the purpose of this study is to advance a thorough knowledge of the effects of terrorism on international security and to provide guidance for evidence-based tactics and policies aimed at reducing this danger.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

This study's main goal is to evaluate how terrorism may affect international security from 2010 to 2023.

To determine and examine the patterns and trends in terrorist activity from 2010 to 2023.

To investigate the underlying factors political, economic, social, and ideological that contributed to and encouraged terrorism throughout this time. 

To evaluate how terrorism affects international security 

To evaluate humanitarian, refugees, traumatic brain injuries, and civilian casualties. 

To access social abuses of human rights, evictions, and disturbances in society. 

1.4 Research Questions

From 2010 to 2023, what are the tendencies and patterns of terrorist activity? 

What are the fundamental causes and motivators of terrorism in this era, taking into account social, political, economic, and ideological aspects? 

How does terrorism affect international security? 

What is the approximate ratio of psychological trauma, refugees, and civilian casualties to humanitarian causes? 

How common are societal turmoil, relocation, and abuses of human rights? 

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study tackles a major worldwide issue by shedding light on how terrorism is changing and how it affects global security. Important new information about the efficacy of the counterterrorism policies and techniques in use now is provided by this study. This study will spell out integral political, economic, social and ideological factors that encourage terrorism. In addition, the study will highlight and evaluate effects of terrorism on international security. This study intends to furnish facts on civilian casualty effects, traumatic brain injuries, refugee circumstances and humanitarian cases as a result of terrorism. The study's insights into how terrorist organizations are changing their strategies will help security agencies better anticipate and prevent future attacks. 

1.6 Scope of the Study

The report covers key terrorist incidents, patterns, and counterterrorism initiatives within a specified time period. 2010–2023 will be the study's time frame. The selection of this time range is intended to encompass the development of terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11, encompassing the ascent and decline of ISIS, the continuous menace posed by al-Qaeda, and the formation of novel terrorist organizations. The study does not a defined location. As such, it covers terrorist events across the globe.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

The study focuses on well-known terrorist groups, which may not accurately represent the complete spectrum of terrorist organizations, and its period may not fully capture the breadth of terrorist operations and counterterrorism efforts. The study evaluates certain facets of international security, which might not fully account for all of the effects, and it might not investigate particular terrorism subtypes, which might not cover the whole gamut of terrorist activity.

Political factors could influence the study's data availability or interviewees' candor, especially in areas with stringent government information controls. Limited study is possible in this domain due to classified or non-publicly available detailed data on cyber-terrorism occurrences and reactions. Finally, budgetary restrictions may place limitations on the study's approach and scope.

1.8 Research Methodology

In order to have a more thorough knowledge of the phenomena, this study uses a qualitative research approach to examine how terrorism may affect global security between 2010 and 2023. In addition to using a qualitative methodology, the research also makes use of a historical approach to fully understand the topic. The study uses a descriptive and exploratory research design to examine the intricate connection between international security and terrorism. An in-depth comprehension of the phenomenon and the capacity to see patterns, trends, and causal links are made possible by this design. Secondary data from reliable sources, including the World Bank, the Global Terrorism Database (GTD), and other governmental and non-governmental organizations, is used in the study. This data covers incidences of terrorism, their effects on the economy, and security protocols.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Terrorism: Terrorism is a multifaceted and intricate phenomenon that includes a variety of violent acts intended to further ideological, religious, or political goals. 

Global security: Protection against threats that cross national boundaries for people, communities, and countries is referred to as global security. 

ISIS: Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is a militant group that was formed in 2006.

Al-Qaeda: is a global terrorist network founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s.

Taliban: is a fundamentalist Islamic political movement that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and has continued to operate as a militant group since then.

Al-Shabaab: is a militant Islamist group based in East Africa,

Boko Haram: is a militant Islamist terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria, also active in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

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