Globalization and the Root Causes of Terrorism: Why Globalization is Directly Linked to the Spread of Globalization and why Globalization can be Used to Curb the Threat of Terrorism

Abstract

The author first describes the definition of "terrorism" and its elements and then sets out to explore the root causes of terrorism. The author points out thal globalization is essentially one of the main root causes of terrorism because globalization leads to the many less affluent countries on the periphery adopting western forms of free market economics, which leave those most vulnerable open to the ravages of the free market. Shifts in market forces due to globalization may lead to many to become unemployed, leading to economic humiliation. Globalization also leads to the blurring of political boundaries and cultures, which tend to upset traditional culture norms. This blurring of cultures can lead to identity clashes. It also lends to interfere with many traditional countries ability to self govern. Globalization is also seen by many in more traditional parts of the world as America's way of dominating the world economically, rather than militarily, by exporting "western values" abroad. Despite this, Globalization has also given Democracies like the United States the tools to combat terrorism. The spread of global technology has proven to be a useful tool in the sharing of information and intelligence to contain terrorism. Globalization has allowed many countries to exchange resources to train counter terrorism forces, as well as seize the assets of the many terrorists' organizations and disrupt their ability to organize. Globalization can also be an answer to terrorism, as it tends to open the door to more democratic governments and free speech, which allow those disaffected by the forces of globalization to express their grievances through the democratic political channels, rather than through violence.