Terrorism can handicap

Fostering, promoting and/or tolerating terrorism are some charges that a country almost always denies. An acceptance of these claims can completely erode trade agreements, international relations, and peace pacts. (Even though the chances are, that these are already remarkably low in such countries). But terrorism isn’t always outward looking and may not fulfill our traditional schemas and definitions of it. Terrorism is defined as “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political gains.” This definition very well encapsulates the possible use of violence against one’s’ own citizens- based on their gender, race, religion, caste and age. It holds true even if such an act is propagated by the government/a government organisation- disguised as an act of “patriotism” or something else entirely. The fear of calling their own government terrorists (due to the word’s misunderstood concept and strong connotation)  is what allows citizens to be exploited and become accomplices. This exploitation exceeds one that is personal, communal or religious/racial- it becomes economic, national and international. Inwards terrorism is a possible cause for a country suffering from an international and national economic distress. The cause of this are the negative ripple effects terrorism creates within an economy. These can be as direct as the destruction of livelihood, and property- to as nuanced as uncertainty in the markets. Both the international and national financial market in the United States collapsed after the September 11^th attacks and is known to only have begun recovering in 2003- post the invasion of Iraq. A decreased international investment and financial interest can drive out businesses from particular regions or countries leaving them to deal with increased unemployment, increased health-care costs for the state to bear, and unhappy citizens. This can further cause a shift in where the country stands on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Human development Index (HDI) scale of the world. Lying on the lower side of the HDI can cause an efflux of tourists and international employees. Not only this, developed democracies and non-violent countries may deem it necessary to pull back on trade and dissolve long standing non-violence and peace agreements and pacts. All of these factors can hit the economy of a country in no time and leave the government frustrated which may perpetuate this vicious cycle again. Therefore, as well educated citizens of any country and/or students of economics, it is our responsibility to keep our eyes and ears open to inward and outward terrorism. It is a disease that can leave a country handicapped in no time.