International Terrorism in India’s Foreign Policy – UGC-NTA NET Political Science
International terrorism poses challenges to nations worldwide, impacting their security, politics, and society. This phenomenon is defined as the use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce for political, ideological, or social objectives. It often transcends national borders, involving actors from multiple countries.
Definition of International Terrorism
International terrorism encompasses acts of violence that are politically motivated and transnational. It aims to instill fear and achieve specific goals. Such acts can occur across various nations, making them a global concern. The motivations for these actions can include political power, religious beliefs, or social change.
Historical Context
The roots of international terrorism can be traced back to the post-World War II era. The 1970s marked rise in terrorist activities, with groups like the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Irish Republican Army (IRA) gaining notoriety. A very important moment in global counter-terrorism efforts was the September 11 attacks in 2001. This event reshaped international policies and responses to terrorism.
Types of International Terrorism
International terrorism can be categorised into several types:
- State-sponsored terrorism: Involves government support for terrorist groups, such as Iran’s backing of Hezbollah.
- Religious terrorism: Driven by religious ideologies, exemplified by Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
- Left-wing and right-wing terrorism: Ideologically motivated, with groups like FARC representing left-wing and neo-Nazi factions as right-wing examples.
Major International Terrorist Organisations
Several terrorist organisations have gained global infamy:
- Al-Qaeda: Founded by Osama bin Laden, it orchestrated the 9/11 attacks and continues to inspire global jihad.
- ISIS (Islamic State): Emerged from Al-Qaeda and is known for its brutal territorial control in Iraq and Syria.
- Boko Haram: Active in Nigeria, notorious for kidnappings and assaults on civilians.
- Taliban: Governed Afghanistan and provided refuge to Al-Qaeda.
Impact on Global Security
International terrorism has deep implications for global security:
- Increased military expenditure and counter-terrorism operations by nations.
- Enhanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing among countries.
- Humanitarian crises and refugee flows resulting from terrorist activities.
International Legal Framework
The international community has established legal measures to combat terrorism:
- UN Security Council Resolutions: Resolution 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) focus on combating terrorism.
- International conventions: Include the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997) and the Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (1999).
India’s Perspective on International Terrorism
India’s experience with terrorism is extensive:
- Historical context: The country has faced terrorism in Kashmir, Punjab, and the Northeast.
- Key incidents: Notable events include the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
- India’s stance: Advocates for a comprehensive global approach to combat terrorism.
India’s Counter-Terrorism Measures
India employs various strategies to address terrorism:
- Legislative framework: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) play crucial roles.
- International cooperation: India collaborates with nations like the US and Russia, and engages with regional organisations such as SAARC and ASEAN.
- Intelligence sharing: India works closely with global intelligence agencies to enhance security.
Challenges Faced by India
India confronts several challenges in combating terrorism:
- Cross-border terrorism: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed operate with support from Pakistan.
- Radicalisation: Domestic terrorism, exemplified by the Maoist insurgency, poses threat.
- Balancing security and civil liberties: Ensuring public safety while respecting individual rights is a complex challenge.
Role of Technology in Terrorism
Technology plays a dual role in terrorism:
- Internet usage: Terrorist groups exploit the internet for recruitment and propaganda.
- Cyber-terrorism: An emerging threat, targeting critical infrastructure and data.
- Advanced weaponry: The use of drones in terrorist operations has increased .
Global Responses to Terrorism
The international community has initiated various responses:
- Coalitions: The Global Coalition Against ISIS exemplifies collaborative efforts.
- Counter-radicalisation programs: Initiatives aim to prevent recruitment into terrorist organisations.
- Humanitarian assistance: Addressing root causes of terrorism through development aid is crucial.
Future Trends
The landscape of international terrorism is evolving:
- Increased use of technology and social media by terrorist groups is anticipated.
- Potential rise of new ideologies and groups could reshape the threat landscape.
- Ongoing geopolitical tensions will continue to influence terrorism dynamics globally.
