Transnational terrorism: perspective on motves, measures and impacts

Terrorism has become an incurable disease and the international community has not been able to develop a successful antibiotic. It began in the 18th century, survived and spread during the 19th and 20th centuries and has become a global menace in the 21st century. Today, terrorism threatens the peace and stability of small states like Sri Lanka, middle powers like India, and super powers like the US. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Jewish people have become victims of terrorism. In other words, terrorism has become a monster which threatens mankind, with the impact being felt in every nook and corner of the globe. The motives behind terrorist acts are many and include ethno-nationalism, religious extremism, separatism, sectarianism, and racism. Terrorist groups claim that their fight is for freedom, equality, and social justice. Some states appear to be using terrorism as an instrument in their national security policy. Many states, in diverse permutations and combinations, are teaming up to tackle this menace. However, the end of terrorism is nowhere in sight. Scholars, officials, commentators, and security agencies have all been struggling hard to devise an antidote to terrorism. Trans-National Terrorism presents the thoughts and perspectives of Indian scholars on this significant theme, joining the ongoing effort worldwide to meet the challenge posed by terror. The book is an earnest endeavor to amalgamate these perspectives and focuses on events and issues since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US and the implications of the US's global war on terrorism over international relations. It consists of three sections devoted to themes related to motivation and causes, methods and means, and impact and consequences of transnational terrorism.