Global inequality refers to, worldwide uneven distribution of resources. Some countries have more power and control over scarce resources whereas, others have less access to resources within the world. Terrorism refers to the use violence against citizens for political agenda by non-state agents. The term terrorism was first used in France, post French revolution. Though, the French definition was different from the current one. Terrorism originally referred to legitimate regime that uses violence against citizens to assert itself. However, the term gained popularity after world trade center incident popularly known as, 9/11.
September 11, 2001, marked the epoch of worldwide terrorist attack. Terrorists rammed two jets into the world trade center in New York, and third jet into Pentagon 3000 people were killed in the incident. The incident was followed by many terrorist attacks all over the world. In 2008, Mumbai become victim of terrorist attack, in which hundreds of civilian lost their lives. Furthermore, in 2005 London transit system was bombed by terrorists, which killed 50 people and injured 700 people. In spite of the devastating and catastrophic impact of terrorism. In sociology we study it as a “social construction”. Which mean, different societies or groups perceive terrorism differently. Some countries think of terrorist attacks as “terrorism” but, others may think of it, as “War of freedom” or, “holy War”. One group’s “terrorists” might be “freedom fighters” for other group. For instance, 1857, armed conflict between British (East India Company) and Indians, has been labeled differently in history books. Pakistan and Indian history books, refer to the conflict as “War of independence”. On the other hand, British history books refer to it as “mutiny” or “Sepoy rebellion”.
According to conflict theorists, groups or societies which have power and control over the resources exploit other groups, for their own benefit. People awareness regarding vast inequalities among nation’s leads to, creation of violent class. Inequalities could become a cause of armed conflict between two groups or societies. History has witnessed powerful states intervention in the affairs of smaller and weaker countries. Either to promote their political agenda or, to seek more resources. In early ages, powerful empires extended their dominions, by occupying smaller and weaker kingdoms through military force.
In 1600, British came to India, under the umbrella of east India Company, as traders. For centuries they conducted their business peacefully in India. Though, in 19th century Indians engaged in armed conflict with British. Because British started intervening in India political affairs. Few among many reasons of conflict are as follow; firstly, British initiated overthrowing small kingdoms of India via, military force. Secondly, they started to interfere in Hindu rituals. Thirdly, Indian soldiers were paid less, compare to British soldiers. Lastly, Indian soldiers were forced to use grease cartridge, made-up of pig and cow fat; cow is considered sacred animal, by Hindus; on the other hand, pig is forbidden in Islam. Therefore, Indians were compelled to declare war against British, under the leadership of last Mughal emperor Bahadur shah Zafer, in 1857. British succeeded in suppressing the rebellion, and established its rule in India. Yet, the conflict resulted in many casualties on both sides. Uneven distribution of resources among states may lead to violence and domination of powerful states over weaker countries. Furthermore, exploitation of smaller and weaker countries could give birth to violence and violent groups.
Second World War came to an end in 1945, two states (USA and USSR) emerged as world superpowers. From 1947 to 1991 both superpowers struggled for supremacy via proxy war (cold war). Cold war was not a direct armed conflict between USA and USSR. However, it was a wedged on economic, political and propaganda front. Afghanistan was among many countries which suffered from cold war. From 1960 both superpowers supported different political organization in Afghanistan. Leftist regime would be overthrown by rightest regime and vice versa till 1979. In 1979 Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan via, military force. In retaliation USA supported fundamentalist groups in Afghanistan, to fight against USSR. The fundamentalist was known as mujahedeen. USA provided weapons and economic support to mujahedeen. America carried out their supremacy struggle via, exploiting the religious sentiments of fundamentalist groups in Afghanistan. USSR was defeated by mujahedeen, war was over in 1989. However, the repercussion of war was devastating. Firstly, Afghanistan was left with unstable government. Secondly, civil war between different factions led to further destruction of infrastructure. Lastly, Taliban took over the power. Both superpowers exploited Afghanistan in their struggle for supremacy. A country which was showing great promise of progress was now in ruins. In 2001, Taliban devised attack on world trade center and pentagon. Just after two decades, US backed Mujahedeen emerged as a terrorist organization and attacked USA.
Developed Countries use coercive power on weaker nations, for their political and economic benefit. Which further aid in, increasing the miseries of citizens in smaller countries. Such countries have disorganized social structures. Thus, Citizens do not have access to education and jobs. Moreover, Illiteracy and poverty prevails in developing countries, due to which people become desperate. Desperation lead them to join violent factions and to adopt violent behavior.
For many decades, Afghanistan was in ruins, social structure was disorganized. Due to which, new generation only had the opportunity to study in madrassas. Where fundamentalist thoughts have been infused in them. Therefore, they could not tolerate foreign culture and religion. Customarily, terrorist organization recruit people from madrassas. Powerful countries are still involved in proxy war, in Middle East. Therefore, they still support non-state-agents to further their political and economic agenda. Furthermore, Non-state-agents recruit poor people from south Asian and central Asian countries madrassas. Corruption is common practice in developing countries, political elite and military elite are bought easily by, powerful states. Thus, regimes of developing countries help powerful states, in the production and supply of recruits. For that reason, they keep some regions or provinces underdeveloped and disorganized within the country. In those provinces or regions children only have one option, to study in madrassas. When children socialize in madrassas, they only learn fundamentalist beliefs and values. Which aid terrorist organizations in recruitment process, and for carrying out their devised attacks effortlessly.
Written by; Khushdil Khan Kasi