The Features of Contemporary Terrorism

Introduction

With the end of the Cold War and the demise of the Soviet Union, the fear that scientific and technological advances, combined with the increasing availability of chemical, radiological, and biological agents, and the revival of religious and political fanaticism in recent times, suggests that we could be, once again, facing a new era. This era is potentially much more frightening than previous predictions: the era of hyper terrorism. The discourse on the nature of contemporary terrorism reveals the existence of different points of view among scholars. Most academics believe that today's terrorism is essentially different from classic and traditional terrorism, primarily due to the substitution of a number of defining elements for others. According to Wilkinson (2000), in the late 1970s, terrorist groups had secular goals.

The Rise of Religious Motivations

By comparison, in the 1990s, one-third of the terrorist groups were religiously motivated, in most cases, based on Islamist beliefs (Wilkinson, 2000). Religious fanaticism is seen as a significant risk factor, primarily for suicide attacks and the use of mass destruction technologies. Laqueur (2004) describes hyper terrorism as a form of brutal manifestation that responds to a floating violence, which today focuses on radical Islamism, but which at any moment can be articulated around another ideology or set of motivations. It is crucial to acknowledge that in hyper terrorism, violence can come from anywhere, not necessarily from religious fanatics, but potentially from anyone. Laqueur points out that 100 years ago, the religious problem had no relevance at all and that fanaticism tends to obey interminable waves. Therefore, he is optimistic about the evolution of the problem of radical Islam (Laqueur, 2004).

Technological and Social Changes

The perceived changes in terrorist methods are more related to recent social and technological changes than to a restructuring of terrorism per se. As other groups and sectors have adapted to new means and forms of international relations, terrorist groups have also adapted to take advantage of or avoid aspects of this new conjuncture. It might be more appropriate to talk about contemptible terrorism rather than new terrorism. Moreover, the role of the internet and social media in spreading extremist ideologies and recruiting individuals cannot be overlooked. These platforms have become significant tools for terrorist groups to reach a global audience.

The Concept of Hyper Terrorism

Regarding the hypertrophied version, it should be noted that hyper terrorism is still only a hypothesis, albeit a possible one, a hyperbole based on the growing simultaneous hypertrophy of many of the defining characteristics of terrorism. This is not only with regard to the weapons used but also in the choice of civilian targets. Hyper terrorism challenges the traditional frameworks of counter-terrorism efforts, demanding innovative approaches and international cooperation to address the ever-evolving threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evolution of terrorism reflects broader global changes and challenges. As new ideologies and technologies emerge, so too do new forms of terrorism. Addressing these threats requires a nuanced understanding of their causes and characteristics, as well as a commitment to international collaboration in developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.

References

Laqueur, W. (2004). No End to War: Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century. Continuum.

Wilkinson, P. (2000). Terrorism versus Democracy: The Liberal State Response. Routledge.