Terrorism and Global Security: An Analysis of Regional and Socio-Economic Effects on National Security
- April 15, 2021
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Political Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue II, February 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
Anietie J. Atai, Victor E. Ita
Department of Political Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio-Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam LGA – Nigeria
Abstract: The paper examined the impact of global security and socio-economic development in terrorist prone regions. The study adopted the qualitative method which is hinged on historical and descriptive analysis. The theory that was used for this study is the realist theory by Hans Morgenthau and amplified by Kenneth Waltz. The paper contended that terrorism breeds insecurity and impedes sustainable national development. The paper noted that terrorism engenders loss of lives, threat to public safety, economic sabotage, capital and investment flight, negative perception of the terrorists’ prone states on international scene with attendant negative consequences on trade, tourism and foreign direct investment (FDI). Moreover, the analysis revealed that a number of factors including sources of funding, ideology, religion, and idleness contribute to increase in global terrorism which in turn endangers the prospects of progress with resultant economic misfortunes, closure of businesses and unemployment across the globe as well as destructive reflections on national security. Given the findings, the paper recommended, among others, an overhaul of the Security Agencies which should include the creation of State Security apparatus to tackle the menace while regional governments should improve or rather upgrade its intelligence gadgets and surveillance equipment. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on the use of improved collective security and the need to trace and back down the sources of funds used for terrorists’ activities.
Keywords: Terrorism, global insecurity, public harassment, investment, economic growth.
I. INTRODUCTION
Globally, terrorism has evolved despite opposition, just like conventional warfare. The evolution of terrorism has plagued around the world, and is currently viewed as the most dangerous and immediate security threat to the world at large. Arguably, terrorism has significantly contributed to the reduction of economic security in many sectors of the population throughout the world. Insecurity has become a global monster which national security agents appear to be incapable of handling. From 1970s to date (2020), the world has witnessed over 20,000 terrorist incidents which resulted in more than 90,000 casualties or injuries. As observed by Michael (2007, p. 37),
