Terrorism refers to the use of violence or threat to create fear and achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives by targeting civilians and governments.
Terrorism as a Threat to Global Peace and Security
Non-traditional global security challenge undermining state sovereignty, human rights, and economic stability.
Evolving nature – cross-border networks, online radicalization, financing through illicit trade, and use of emerging technologies (drones, crypto-assets).
Threats
Economic – Terrorism and organised crime linkage. Eg- role of D-Company in Bombay Blasts 1993
Bioterrorism – Eg- use of chemical weapons in Syria
State sponsored terrorism – Eg- Pakistan
Cyber terrorism – Eg- online radicalization by ISIS
Regional Instability – Eg- Taliban in Afghanistan
United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and Associated Bodies
Established under UNSC Resolution 1373 (2001) after 9/11.
CTC’s mandate: Enhance state co-operation and capacity building to deal with global terror
Associated Bodies:
CTED (Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate): Provides technical assistance to member states.
UNOCT (UN Office of Counter-Terrorism): Coordinates UN counter-terror programs.
FATF : Monitors terror financing and money laundering globally.
Positive Role
Global Framework: Universal adoption of Resolution 1373, creating a global legal framework.
Capacity Building: Support to developing states in border management, cyber surveillance, and financial tracking.
Curbing Terror Financing: Criminalization of fund-raising and cross-border money flows.
Information Sharing: Enhanced coordination among INTERPOL, UNODC, and regional organizations (ASEAN, AU, SAARC).
1267 Sanctions Regime: Travel bans and arms embargoes on listed terrorist entities.
Limitations
No Universal Definition of Terrorism: Political differences hinder cohesive action.
Enforcement Limitations: CTC cannot impose sanctions; compliance depends on state will.
Selectivity and Geopolitics: Veto politics within UNSC prioritizes strategic interests over global consensus. Eg- China blocking Masood Azhar terrorist designation
TRF, designated a terrorist group by India, has not been formally designated as a terrorist organisation by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee.
Unequal Capacities: Developing nations lack financial and technological resources to meet obligations.
Emerging Threats: Cyber-terrorism, lone-wolf attacks, and digital radicalization outpace global responses.
Human Rights Concerns: Some counter-terror laws compromise due process and civil liberties.
Lack of consensus – as per T.S. Tirumurti, the world has gone back to the era of “my terrorist” and “your terrorist” and consensus reached after 9/11, to fight terror comprehensively, has run its course.
Way Forward
3C Approach: Collaborate, Coordinate, and Cooperate among nations.
UNSC Reforms: voice to Global South and democratization of decision-making.
Early finalization of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)
A comprehensive consensus-based approach on zero tolerance for corruption is needed to tackle the menace of terrorism.