Ramesh Shah

HIST-409

Research Paper

Joseph Drew

December 12, 2016

University of Maryland University College

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Define the problem

Politics is the cause of the rise of terrorism in 21st century. This is a significant question,

how we see this major issue in the 21st Century.

Review the literature

According to articles which were written by Bruce Hoffman, Shibley Telhami, and

Paul B Davis, on September 11, 2001, the destruction of the World Trade Center and the

Pentagon changed the mindset and the opinion of nearly every American on one of the

most vital issues in the 21st century: terrorism (Hoffman 2). Also, the authors explain the

historical evolution of terrorism and the terrorist mindset. The Authors analyzes the new

adversaries, motivations, and tactics of global terrorism that have emerged in recent years,

focusing specifically on how al Qaeda has changed since 9/11; the reasons behind its

resiliency, resonance, and longevity; and its successful use of the Internet and videotapes

to build public support and gain new recruits. Before one can begin to analyze how the

United States should combat such a perverse method of political change, one must first

begin to understand what terrorism is, where it is derived from, and why there is terrorism.

These issues are essential in Americas analysis of this phenomenon that has revolutionized

its foreign policy and changed Americas stance in the world. One of the defining traits of

the mindset of a terrorist is resentment toward the West (Telhami 146). Most tend to believe

that their causes have been undermined and exploited by powerful forces, especially the

West. This belief generally creates a sense of self-righteousness toward others outside of

their cause (Davis 22). A common belief among these radicals is that they are the

enlightened among masses of unenlightened. Concerning their psychology and mindset,

terrorists tend to be extremely sensitive to the plights of their people, while not seeing the

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devastation they are inflicting upon their surroundings. This may be due to terrorists

dehumanizing their victims, which allows them to consider them less as people as than

objects or impersonal concepts. Other key characteristics of terrorists psychology is

oversimplification of issues, frustration about their inability to change society, a belief in a

utopian society, a feeling of isolation, a need to assert their own existence, and a cold-

blooded willingness to kill (Davis 23). These traits are what the desperation in the region

engenders, which has led to increased suicide attacks and essentially terrorism from the

middle class educated populace.

Religion is the first thing that comes to mind, when analyzing these Islamic groups and

their willingness to commit suicide. The belief in an afterlife, many say, is the source of

such groups willingness to die. The common belief among the non- Muslim populace is

that these people believe that they are going to inherit a reward for their sacrifice and a

better life than the hopeless existence that they live in now. However, others supplement

the argument with a more in-depth perception on the persons psychology. Some believe

that though religion is powerful, something akin to brainwashing in used to convince these

people to commit mass murder on a global scale. Still others believing that the terrorists

are rational believe that the intellectual tools of the educated allow them to criticize the

structure that they live in.

The current aims of the United States for the Middle East are stability within the region,

free flow of oil, and protection of Israel. However, all three aims are threatened because of

terror acts. This leaves the United States with the charge of eliminating the terrorist threat

in order to accomplish its goals. However, the United States is not fighting a defined enemy

as it had been in the Cold War, but a mysterious and evasive enemy. This adversary is

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disguised as an everyday man, living within our borders and cavorting in a respectable

manner. Shilbey Telhami, a political analyst, separates the course of action that the United

States can take into two realms: the supply and demand. The demand in region is the

desperation and mindset of anger and despair within the Middle East toward the West

(Telhami 147).

Hypothesis

My co-workers think that the cause of the rise of terrorism in 21st century is politics.

Method

For the research, I undertook a survey for prove the hypothesis. I did survey ten co-

worker in my work place. I asked participants the following questions.

Are politics the cause of terrorism in 21st century?

a) Yes

b) No

Findings

Cause Result Reason

Yes 6 Selfish and bad

leadership
No 3 because good
politician solves the
crisis
Undecided 1 Do not much about
politics

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 Result
Undecided
10%

NO
30%

Yes
60%

Conclusion:

Thus, I asked in my survey that are politics the cause of terrorism in 21st century. Out of

ten co-workers, six support my hypothesis that the cause of terrorism is politics. They

believe that cause of the rise of terrorism in 21st is politics because of politicians and their

selfish politics. According to my survey results, my hypothesis is proved.

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References:

Davis, Paul B. "The Terrorist Mentality." Cerebrum: The Dana Forum on Brain Science

3.3 (2001): 22-23. The Dana Press. Web. 15 November 2016.

Goddy Osa, I., & Usman, U. S. (2014). A Purview into the Historical Development of

Terrorism in Nigeria.

Hoffman, Bruce. "Inside Terrorism." Cerebrum: The Dana Forum on Brain Science 3.3

(1998): 2-3. New York: Columbia University Press. Web. 15 November 2016.

Telhami, Shibley. "Understanding the Challenge." The Middle East Journal 25 (2002): 9-

18. The Middle East Journal. Web. 15 November 2016.