Causes of Terrorism Flashcards
Political Causes - Nationalism
Nationalism is the view that independence should be sought because of a common culture or heritage, particularly when they feel oppressed. People may feel that that cannot achieve change peacefully, so they turn to violence and terrorism to achieve their nationalist goals.
For example, in 2019 the New IRA killed a journalist in Northern Ireland.
Political Causes - Right-wing extremism/white supremacy
Right-wing extremists have been relate to conservative and often bigoted ideologies, most prominently neo-Nazism. These extremists aim to overthrow governments and install nationalist regimes in their place. Right-wing extremists are especially violent towards minorities and anybody they view as weak.
For example, MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016 by an extreme right-wing terrorist.
Political Causes - Dictatorships
Some countries are run by oppressive governments, and citizens may resort to terrorism to try and bring about change. Although these groups may engage in terrorist activities, they often have widespread support amongst the population.
For example, in 2011 pro-democracy protests erupted across Syria. The Syrian government used violence to suppress these protests. Opposition militia began to form and launch terror attacks against the government forces, when then expanded into a full-fledged civil war.
Economic Causes - Poverty
When faced with poverty and social inequalities, people can become angry and desperate, and end up committing terror attacks as a form of protest.
For example, in many parts of Kenya and Somalia, poverty rates are extremely high, leaving many people hopeless and vulnerable to radicalisation by groups such as al-Shabaab.
Economic Causes - Financial Gain
Terror groups may resort in to kidnapping and extortion as a way to fund their terrorist activities.
For example, in 2018 Boko Haram kidnapped 111 schoolgirls and released them a month later in return for a large ransom payment. This both installed terror amongst the public and funded their terrorist activities.
Social Causes - Religion
Groups often use religious justification for their terrorist actions. This can come from an extremist take of their holy books or believing that their religion is oppressed.
For example, Islamic extremists were behind the 2017 Westminster Bridge Attack.
Social Causes - Discrimination
If someone faces discrimination or feels threatened because of their race, religion, sexual orientations, etc., they may turn to resentful groups and become radicalised. This can lead to terror attacks.
For example, in 2020 a Tunisian migrant stabbed 3 people to death at a Catholic Church in Nice, France. The attacker may have felt that Muslims were being discriminated against in France.
