The Roots and Causes of Terrorism (Coursework Sample)

The Roots and Causes of Terrorism
* Abstract
This paper aims to discuss the root and trigger causes of terrorism and to analyze the significance of terrorism in relation to individuals and societies. This paper also discusses different views and approaches of terrorism by understanding its nature and gives definition and explanation on why such phenomena occur.
* The Objectives of this paper is to:
1 Understand the phenomenon of terrorism
2 Analyze terrorism based different views and approaches
3 Identify the general root and causes of terrorism
4 Provide analysis on why these root and causes result into terrorism
* Definition
Terrorism by principle is a concept that involves social movements and actions opposing ideals, beliefs or governments through violent means that destabilize societies and governments. Its definition is still being debated by scholars and social scientists into what extent does this concept have. Terrorism is the threat or use of violence for political, religious or ideological purposes designed to influence the attitudes and behavior of a group or to achieve objectives that are otherwise unattainable (Rapoport and Alexander, eds. 1982). Basing on the definition, terrorism can be actions that are using violence in order to achieve particular goals with the use of force or threats. terrorism is defined in accordance with the EU definition as an offence under national law, which, given its nature or context, may seriously damage a country or an international organization where committed with the aim of; seriously intimidating a population, or unduly compelling a Government or international organization to perform or abstain from performing any act, or seriously destabilizing or destroying the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social structures of a country or an international organization. (Council Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 (2002/475/JHA). It is in fact that terrorism as a method of performing any act can destabilize the society, by the means of force and coercion. This paper will provide approaches and analysis to the roots and cause of terrorism by analyzing the phenomenon itself throughout time.
* Approaches to Terrorism analysis
Terrorism during the 1960s and 1970s, the general assumption was that terrorists were mentally disturbed (Transnationalterorism.eu). That concept was refuted due to empirical research and can be explained, though not precisely, by empirical research to explain why such phenomena happen. There are four major approaches in order to understand why terrorism occurs.
Multi-Causal Approach
The Multi-Casual approach emphasizes the presence of multiple causal variables; this approach incorporates psychological considerations, economic, political, religious and sociological factors as contributors to understanding the causes of terrorism (Transnationalterorism.eu). This approach looks into different causes that will result into terrorism that even the simplest reasons can cause havoc and chaos by the means of violence. The multi-causal approach provides the least insight into the root causes of terrorism, contending that terrorism is the result of a combination of factors.
Political or Structural Approach
A political approach presupposes that the causes of terrorism can be found in environmental factors which indicate poverty, oppression and inequality as causes of terrorism (Transnationalterorism.eu). Most notably, Ted Robert Gurr’s research focuses mainly on indicate poverty, oppression and inequality as causes of terrorism the inability to obtain what is felt to be justified triggers feelings of frustration that ultimately facilitates the emergence of collective violence (Transnationalterorism.eu).
Rational or Organizational Approach
This approach rests on the idea that organizations consciously make the decision to use the instrument of terrorism as the best option to attain certain political goals (Transnationalterorism.eu). This approach focuses mainly on organizations which use violence as a means of pushing their goals such as political reforms. In this approach, it is argued that terrorism is not caused by individuals but rather by groups and organizations that is collective and is rational.
Psychological Approach
The psychological approach considers the motivation of individuals that resort to terrorism which concerns with the personalities, beliefs and attitudes of terrorists examining the behavior, recruitment methods, individual profiles, and ‘careers’ of terrorists (Transnationalterorism.eu). This approach focuses mainly on the individual cases in which terrorism transpires.
* Root and Trigger Causes
There are definite reasons why terrorism occurs, though it is still debatable, this part will discuss the most common roots and trigger causes of terrorism. Root causes are those factors that set the stage for terrorism over the long run, whereas Trigger causes are specific events that immediately precede the occurrence of terrorism (Transnationalterorism.eu). Root causes can be called as preconditions to terrorism and Trigger causes can be called precipitants. To start off, there are five major root causes that would lead to terrorism. Rapid modernization and urbanization basing on studies, countries which experience sudden wealth would mostly indulge into terrorism (Transnationalterorism.eu). It is due to the change from traditional way of life into modern, depriving the traditional norms and ideals of individuals or specific groups. Rapid modernization and urbanization in the form of high economic growth has been found to correlate strongly with the emergence of ideological terrorism, but not with ethno-nationalist terrorism (Crenshaw 1981). Next is the lack of democracy. It is not necessary for a democratic country not to experience terrorism. Failed or weak states, states that are new democracies or has an ongoing crises, lack the capacity – or sometimes the will – to exercise territorial control which can be used by terrorist organizations (Transnationalterorism.eu). Third, historical antecedents of political violence, state