As per Bruce Hoffman, “Terrorism is the deliberate creation and exploitation of fear through violence or the threat of violence in the pursuit of political change.”
Complexity of Terrorism
Absence of a universally accepted definition makes global consensus and coordination difficult.
Multi-actor nature – Involves state-sponsored, non-state, proxy and lone-wolf actors
Decentralised structure limits traceability. Eg- lone wolf attacks
Transnational character – Funding, training, ideology and operations span across borders.
Technological sophistication increases operational complexity. Eg- Use of encrypted communication, drones and digital finance.
Intensity of Terrorism (Global Terrorism Index 2025)
Over 8,000 terrorism-related deaths globally (2024)
Islamic State (IS) expanded its operations to 22 countries
Terrorist attacks jumped by 63% in the West
India witnessed Pahalgam terrorist attack in 2025
High psychological impact
Causes of Terrorism
Political Causes
Political instability – Weak or exclusionary governance fuels extremism. Eg- in Syria
Ideological radicalisation through identity and grievance politics. Eg- ISIS
State repression – Eg- Militant recruitment in Kashmir exploiting allegations of rights abuses.
Socio-Economic Causes
Poverty and unemployment Create fertile ground for recruitment. Eg- in Palestine (Hamas)
Inequality – Disparity between haves and have-nots fuels resentment.
Regional underdevelopment and ‘Governance vaccum’- Eg- Insurgency in India’s Northeast
Geopolitical Causes
Proxy warfare and state sponsorship – Eg- Pakistan’s policy of bleeding India by thousand cuts
Regional conflicts – Eg- Iran’s support “Axis of Resistance” including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis.
Technological and Global Factors
Online radicalisation – Eg- Use of Telegram and encrypted platforms by terror outfits.
Ease of connectivity and funding – Eg- Hawala networks financing terror modules in India
Linkages and Obnoxious Nexus
Terrorism-Organised Crime Nexus – Eg- role of D-Company in 1993 Bombay blast
Terrorism-Narco Nexus – Drug trade finances terror operations and insurgency.
Terrorism-Religious Extremism Nexus for recruitment and legitimacy.
Terrorism-Cyber Nexus – Use of social media and encrypted platforms for propaganda
Terrorism-State and Non-State Actor Nexus. Eg- Pakistan’s support to LeT and JeM
The zero tolerance against terrorism strategy needs 6-fold approach
Robust counter-terror legal framework – Swift investigation, prosecution and conviction.
Strengthening HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and TECHINT (Technological Intelligence).
SMART Borders (Madhukar Gupta Committee)
Raising cost of terrorism for Pakistan. Eg- Operation Sindoor
Human-centric Counterinsurgency
International Cooperation – Intelligence sharing, financial sanctions and diplomatic pressure on sponsors of terrorism. Eg- FATF Grey Listing
Thus a holistic strategy is needed for ‘Terror free world’.