Understanding Terrorism
Terrorism is a tactic that uses violence or threat of violence to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. It is a deliberate act of targeting civilians or non-combatants to create fear and panic in society.
Types of Terrorism
- Domestic Terrorism: Acts of violence within a country by individuals or groups against their own government or population.
- International Terrorism: Acts of violence by non-state actors across borders to achieve their goals.
Examples of Terrorism
The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Mumbai attacks in 2008, and the recent Paris attacks are all examples of heinous acts of terrorism that shook the world.
Case Studies
In 2015, the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris, carried out by Islamist extremists, highlighted the dangers of radicalization and extremism in society. The perpetrators targeted the satirical magazine for its depictions of Prophet Muhammad, sparking a global debate on free speech and religious sensitivities.
Statistics on Terrorism
According to the Global Terrorism Database, there were 25,673 terrorist incidents worldwide in 2019, resulting in over 20,000 deaths and 29,000 injuries. The majority of these attacks occurred in the Middle East, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
