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TERRORISM AS A GLOBAL SOCIO-POLITICAL PHENOMENON:
ANALYSIS AND HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVES
Sharipova Guzal Usmanbekovna
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in historical sciences,
department of “History and source study of islam - IRCICA”,
International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan
e-mail:g.sharipova@iiau.uz
Tursunboyeva Nargiza Zukhriddin qizi
International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan
(Tourism and Hospitality) 1st year student
tel:+998770572616
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15227166
Abstract.
Terrorism remains one of the most pressing global challenges,
threatening the stability of societies and undermining human security. Defined
as the use of violence and intimidation to achieve political, religious, or social
objectives, terrorism seeks to instill fear, disrupt social order, and impose
ideologies through coercion. This article examines the multifaceted nature of
terrorism, exploring its causes, methods, and societal impacts from a humanistic
perspective. By analyzing its socio-political, economic, and ideological roots, the
study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize justice,
equality, and global cooperation to address this pervasive issue.
Introduction.
Terrorism represents a complex and multifaceted
phenomenon that poses significant risks to global peace and security. While
interpretations of terrorism vary, it is broadly understood as the deliberate use
of violence and fear to advance ideological, political, or religious agendas. Its
primary aim is to create widespread panic, destabilize societies, and challenge
existing governance structures. This article seeks to provide a scholarly analysis
of terrorism, emphasizing its humanistic implications and advocating for
solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of individuals while addressing the
underlying causes of this global issue.
Main analysis.
Terrorism is characterized by the strategic use of violence
to dominate or promote specific ideologies, targeting both individuals and
societal structures. It transcends national boundaries, manifesting as a global
threat that impacts communities through physical destruction and psychological
trauma. At its core, terrorism leverages methods such as bombings, armed
attacks, kidnappings, and cyber operations to sow fear and disrupt social
cohesion. The objectives of terrorism are diverse, encompassing: Political
transformation or the overthrow of established regimes; The imposition of
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religious or ideological beliefs; Resistance against perceived social injustices or
inequalities.
Terrorist tactics are designed for maximum visibility and impact, often
targeting civilians in public spaces to amplify fear. These methods include:
Explosive Attacks: Detonations in crowded areas, such as markets or
transportation hubs, aim to maximize casualties and media attention; Hostage-
Taking: Kidnappings are employed to exert political pressure or secure
concessions; Cyberterrorism: Digital attacks disrupt critical infrastructure and
erode public trust in governance; Psychological Warfare: Propaganda
disseminated through media platforms intensifies societal anxiety and
undermines confidence in security systems.
The global reach of terrorism is facilitated by modern technology,
particularly social media, which enables rapid dissemination of fear-inducing
content and recruitment efforts. This interconnectedness amplifies the
psychological and societal toll of terrorist acts, making them a persistent
challenge to international stability.
The emergence of terrorism is driven by a confluence of socio-political,
economic, and ideological factors. Understanding these root causes is essential
for developing effective countermeasures.
Political repression, characterized by the suppression of dissent and
curtailment of freedoms, fosters environments conducive to extremism. When
governments deny citizens their rights or discriminate against marginalized
groups, resentment can escalate into radicalization. Similarly, social
inequalities—such as disparities in wealth, education, or opportunity—create
grievances that terrorist groups exploit to recruit and mobilize supporters.
Economic marginalization, including poverty, unemployment, and unequal
resource distribution, breeds desperation and disillusionment. These conditions
make individuals, particularly youth, vulnerable to extremist ideologies that
promise empowerment or retribution. Economic instability undermines social
cohesion, creating fertile ground for terrorist narratives that capitalize on
feelings of exclusion.
Certain terrorist groups anchor their actions in distorted interpretations of
religious or ideological doctrines, portraying violence as a legitimate means to
achieve their vision. For instance, groups like the Islamic State have misused
religious rhetoric to justify widespread violence, framing their actions as a
defense of their beliefs. Similarly, ideological terrorism, rooted in political
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philosophies such as anarchism or nationalism, seeks to impose radical change
through coercive means.
International disputes and geopolitical rivalries often exacerbate terrorism.
State sponsorship of terrorist groups, whether through funding or logistical
support, amplifies their capacity to operate. Conflicts in regions like Afghanistan
have historically provided breeding grounds for extremist organizations, which
exploit instability to expand their influence. Geopolitical tensions also fuel proxy
wars, where terrorism becomes a tool for advancing strategic interests.
Terrorism’s consequences extend beyond immediate casualties, affecting
economies, social trust, and international relations. Economically, attacks
disrupt industries such as tourism and trade, leading to job losses and reduced
growth. Socially, terrorism erodes community cohesion, fostering suspicion and
division. On a global scale, it strains diplomatic ties, as nations grapple with the
complexities of counterterrorism cooperation and differing approaches to
addressing state-sponsored extremism.
From a humanistic perspective, terrorism violates the fundamental
principles of dignity and safety. It disproportionately harms vulnerable
populations, including civilians, children, and marginalized groups, undermining
the sanctity of human life. The pervasive fear generated by terrorist acts stifles
freedom of expression and movement, creating societies marked by uncertainty
and trauma.
Terrorist organizations employ deliberate strategies to achieve their
objectives, often with meticulous planning and adaptability. Their tactics are
designed to maximize disruption and visibility, ensuring widespread fear and
media coverage. Common strategies include: Targeting Public Spaces: Attacks in
crowded areas amplify casualties and psychological impact; Asymmetric
Warfare: Small, covert groups execute operations to evade detection and
overwhelm larger security forces; Propaganda Campaigns: Media and online
platforms are used to spread fear, recruit followers, and legitimize their cause.
These tactics exploit vulnerabilities in societal and governmental
structures, aiming to destabilize trust and provoke overreactions that further
alienate populations. By creating cycles of violence and retaliation, terrorists
seek to perpetuate instability and advance their agendas.
CONCLUSION.
Terrorism is a multidimensional phenomenon rooted in
socio-political grievances, economic disparities, ideological extremism, and
geopolitical conflicts. Its devastating impact on human lives, societal stability,
and global security underscores the urgency of addressing its underlying causes.
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A humanistic approach to counterterrorism emphasizes the restoration of
justice, the promotion of equality, and the protection of human rights. By
fostering inclusive societies, strengthening economic resilience, and enhancing
international cooperation, the global community can mitigate the conditions that
fuel terrorism. Ultimately, the fight against terrorism requires a commitment to
empathy, dialogue, and collective action to build a world where dignity and
peace prevail.
Literature:
1. Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com)
2. JSTOR (https://www.jstor.org)
3. UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) (https://www.unodc.org)
4. Global Terrorism Database (GTD) (https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd)
5. Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) (https://www.cfr.org)
6. The Brookings Institution (https://www.brookings.edu)
7. RAND Corporation (https://www.rand.org)
8. International Crisis Group (https://www.crisisgroup.org)
9.
Terrorism
Research
Initiative
(https://www.terrorism-research-
initiative.org)
10. The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) (https://www.nctc.gov)
11.
The
United
Nations
Counter-Terrorism
Centre
(UNCCT)
(https://www.un.org/counterterrorism)
12. The Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS) (https://www.issafrica.org)
