Drones in the Hands of Terrorists Essay Example
Drones in the Hands of Terrorists Essay Example

Drones in the Hands of Terrorists Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1061 words)
  • Published: April 19, 2022
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Introduction

The increase in terrorism in the Middle East and the turmoil in Ukraine have had a profound effect on global peace, creating significant obstacles for the security and economic prosperity of millions around the world. Of particular concern is the emergence of advanced terrorist threats within previously stable Western nations. To effectively tackle this crisis, it is essential for governments to examine the factors impacting counter-terrorism efforts. Such analysis will offer valuable insights to inform the implementation of effective measures.

Discussion

The concern over terrorism has shifted from organized groups to individuals acting independently (Stibli, 2012). However, the response to this threat has had unintended consequences. More citizens of European Union countries are joining terrorist organizations in Syria and Iraq, while informal radical factions driven by personal or religious motivations continue to emer

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ge. It is concerning that removing terrorist leaders does not eradicate the group itself; instead, sympathetic individuals consistently rise as leaders with even greater determination. For example, in May 2016, a drone strike conducted by the USA resulted in the death of Taliban leader Mullah Mansour following a Taliban attack in Kabul that caused multiple fatalities.

The organization quickly replaced its head, Mullah Mansour, with Mawlawi Akhundzada. Terrorist groups and militias now demonstrate power by expanding into neighboring countries, occupying new locations, and establishing transition zones for drug and human traffickers. According to the World Bank (2015), approximately 1.5 billion people reside in failed states, half of whom live in poverty.

The USA's air strikes in Syria have allowed Iraq to gain control over 47% of its previously held territory controlled by the Islamic State. Concerns arise that this war may turn Iraq into a faile

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state, causing more regional unrest. The Arab spring in North Africa and the Middle East (Williams, 2016) has had a profound impact on the region, leading to an increase in religious radicalism and terrorist activities witnessed in EU countries like Denmark, France, and Belgium.

The presence of failed states globally creates a favorable environment for terrorists, as they serve as ideal breeding grounds. Consequently, the increase in the number of "lone wolves" and the existence of terrorist cells within failed states facilitate the exportation of terrorism. These activities pose a threat to all nations, regardless of their strong law enforcement and intelligence precautions (Gill, 2009).

Since 2010, Britain has suffered a significant loss of lives due to terrorism, with approximately sixty nationals becoming victims. Lone wolves are responsible for recent terrorist attacks like those seen in Paris; these individuals enter target countries by disguising themselves as refugees. A large portion of asylum-seeking refugees in Europe come from Syria, which is currently engulfed in civil war and harbors active terrorist organizations.

Unlike the international human migration during the early 1980s that mostly raised concerns regarding economics and social issues, the current wave of international migration brings forth significant security problems across different levels (Ullman, 1983).

The movement of refugees poses a security threat to both the countries they go to and the ones they pass through. This situation is exploited by terrorist groups, causing international tensions and contributing to regional and global instability (Adamson, 2006). Additionally, involuntary displacement and irregular migration undermine the dignity of refugees, making them susceptible to radicalization (Lohrmann, 2000).

Concerns about security have been heightened even further due to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels.

Consequently, there is an increasing belief that terrorism is closely linked with the refugee crisis. Approximately 40% of EU citizens believe that hosting refugees increases the risk of terrorist activities in their own countries (Lohrmann, 2000).

Moreover, unintended consequences resulting from counter-terrorism efforts like those in Afghanistan have served as inspiration for more acts of terrorism. A notable example is the al-Qaida attack on the World Trade Center in USA on September 11th, 2001 (Gaibulloev and Sandler 2009).

It is unfortunate that there has been a gradual increase in interventions in the last decade (Themner and Wallensteen 2014), and there are concerns that these interventions may spread to other countries and ultimately impact the entire region. Recent strategies to combat terrorism have involved raising awareness about terror activities through social and mass media. Moreover, advanced weapons and technology like drones have been used in the fight against terrorism (Weber and Lacy, 2011). However, drone strikes have resulted in the deaths of innocent victims and have caused public opposition towards countries, such as the USA, that utilize drones.

Drone strikes quickly eliminate terrorists, only to have them swiftly replaced. The advent of communication technologies has allowed extremist groups, especially the Islamic State, to disseminate their propaganda online, resulting in the radicalization and recruitment of countless individuals worldwide (Matusitz, 2013). Additionally, these organizations exploit the internet for transmitting encrypted information during the plotting of terrorist activities. Moreover, enhanced global internet connectivity coupled with the technological proficiency of terrorists, including their expertise in hacking, exposes governments to cyber attacks and the consequential destruction of valuable data.

The concerns surrounding the acquisition of modern technologies like drones by terrorists have been raised due

to the movement of refugees and the radicalization of individuals within countries.

Conclusion

Major international peace and security organizations, such as the United Nations, European Union, World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and NATO, play a crucial role in combating terrorism. The US government has advocated for anti-terrorist and anti-money-laundering measures in multiple countries. However, it is imperative that these institutions establish and enforce counter-terrorism laws. It is also important to prioritize global efforts against terrorism, indoctrination, and radicalization even in regions or states previously considered free from terror threats. This will effectively address new unforeseen challenges.

The focus on combating terrorism should include implementing strict and innovative measures that target advancements in technology to aid in combating cyberattacks.

References

  1. Weber, C., ; Lacy, M. (2011). Securing by design. Review of International Studies, 37(03), 1021-1043.
  2. De Nevers, R. (2007). NATO's international security role in the terrorist era. International Security, 31(4), 34-66.
  3. Gill, P.

(2009). The Intelligence and Security Committee and the challenge of security networks. Review of International Studies, 35(04), 929-941.

  • Lohrmann, R. (2000). Migrants, refugees and insecurity. Current threats to peace?
  • International Migration, 38(4), 3-22.

    Gaibulloev, K., & Sandler, T. (2009). The impact of terrorism and conflicts on growth in Asia. Economics & Politics, 21(3), 359-383.

    Matusitz, J. (2013).

    The publication titled "Terrorism and communication" by Themner, L. and Wallensteen, P. was published by SAGE publications in Florida. It is associated with the University of Central Florida and was published in the Journal of Peace Research, volume 51(4) in the year 2014.

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