Q20. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Terrorism poses a significant threat to national security, stability, and global peace. It undermines democratic institutions, disrupts economic activities, and instills fear within societies. The rise of transnational terrorism, cyberterrorism, and domestic extremism has made combating this menace more complex. To effectively curb terrorism, comprehensive strategies that address its root causes, funding sources, and ideological motivations are essential.

Body

Solutions to Curb Terrorism

1. Strengthening Intelligence and Surveillance
   Enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms between agencies, both domestically and internationally, can preempt terrorist activities. Use of advanced surveillance technologies, AI, and data analytics is crucial for detecting and preventing terror plots.
2. Border Security and Counter-Infiltration Measures
   Securing national borders is vital to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and the movement of weapons. This includes better monitoring at borders, airports, and seaports, and deploying high-tech tools like drones and biometric scanners.
3. Deradicalization Programs
   Efforts to combat radicalization, particularly among vulnerable youth, are essential. Deradicalization programs that focus on education, economic development, and community engagement can help counter extremist ideologies.
4. Legal Reforms and Swift Justice
   Terrorism-related cases should be handled swiftly with stronger anti-terrorism laws and fast-track courts. This ensures justice is served and sends a strong message of deterrence.
5. International Cooperation
   Global terrorism is a cross-border issue, requiring cooperation between nations in intelligence-sharing, joint military operations, and capacity-building for weaker states to fight terrorism effectively.
6. Countering Terrorist Propaganda
   Cyberterrorism and the use of social media for recruitment and spreading propaganda have risen. Governments should focus on countering extremist narratives online through strategic communication, including positive counter-messaging.

Major Sources of Terrorist Funding

1. Narcotics Trade
   Terrorist organizations often engage in drug trafficking to fund their activities. For example, groups in Afghanistan are linked to the opium trade, which generates significant revenue for their operations.
2. Hawala Networks and Money Laundering
   Informal money transfer systems like hawala are used by terrorist groups to move funds across borders without being detected by official banking channels. Money laundering is often used to legitimize funds obtained through illicit activities.
3. Charitable Organizations and NGOs
   Some terrorist organizations hide behind seemingly legitimate charities and NGOs to raise funds, particularly in conflict zones or underdeveloped regions. Donations are siphoned off to support terrorist activities under the guise of humanitarian aid.
4. Extortion and Kidnapping
   Terrorist groups generate money through extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and other forms of blackmail. This is particularly prevalent in regions with weak law enforcement.
5. State Sponsorship
   In some cases, certain states provide financial and logistical support to terrorist organizations to further geopolitical interests. This form of support includes arms, training, and safe havens.
6. Illicit Arms Trade
   The illegal arms trade is another significant source of funding. Terrorist groups often sell arms or facilitate arms trafficking in conflict zones to generate revenue.

Conclusion

The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national and global security. To combat this growing menace, countries need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy involving intelligence coordination, legal reforms, border security, and deradicalization programs. Disrupting terrorist financing is key to crippling their operations, and this requires global cooperation, stronger regulations, and better monitoring of illicit financial networks. Only through a united and comprehensive effort can terrorism be effectively curtailed.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam