Name : Abdullah Liaquat

Registration # : 04202113053
Subject : Comparative Politics
Department : School of Politics And International Relations
Assignment : Article Review No. 1
Submitted to : Dr. Nadeem Mirza
 Article : The Causes of Terrorism By Joseph F Pilat from
Journal of Organisational Transformation and Social Change
Article Review
Author’s Introduction :
Joseph F. Pilat works for Los Alamos National Laboratory as a staff member. Prior to this, he
worked on nuclear energy and weapons-related topics at the Centre for Strategic and
International Studies and the Congressional Research Service. Pilat has written extensively on
these subjects for the US Congress as well as a number of academic publications. 1

Summary :
In examining the multifaceted roots of terrorism, the article focuses especially on international
Jihadist acts like 9/11. It covers a number of theories, such as the backlash against globalisation,
political grievances, and religious fanaticism. The author highlights the complexity of the
foundations of terrorism and the inadequacy of trying to identify single reasons. The article
believes that recognizing these underlying conditions and factors—political alienation, poverty,
and cultural issues—should be a key component of the response to terrorism. While there are
many complex aspects of terrorism that resist easy explanations or fixes, addressing these
problems in their whole is essential for successful counterterrorism operations.

Methodology :
In order to examine the complexities of terrorism, the author uses an analytical framework. He
looks at underlying conditions, factors, and perceptions as well as criticizing specific causes like
Islamic radicalism and Western policies. His analysis highlights the need for a comprehensive
and multifaceted counterterrorism strategy.

Theory :
The author discusses that there should be one law governing all the political actors and the
states which should be against terrorism . That law should be same for USA and the Al Qaeda .
Moreover he also discusses the Theory of Globalization and religious extremism which is
benefiting some and depriving the rest from their legitimate rights .

Analysis :

1
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/joseph-f-pilat. (Accessed: 31 October 2023).
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex and multifaceted nature of
terrorism, specifically focusing on the global Jihad movement and the attacks that have
occurred in the wake of 9/11. The author delves into various theories and perspectives on the
causes of terrorism, ranging from religious extremism and political grievances to the backlash
against globalization.
According to my personal analysis the author stresses the complexity of terrorism, as he
examines the complex problem of terrorism and its origins in the article. As the author
correctly notes, there are many other aspects that contribute to the creation of terrorism, such
as political, social, economic, and religious elements. It is therefore difficult to assign terrorism
to a single source. Martha Crenshaw also emphasizes that these fundamental factors result as
the main causes of terrorism since they have an impact on how societies react to terrorism. 2
I also agree with the author’s point of view that how important is the role of international
cooperation is in combating terrorism. It emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive policies
that go beyond military operations by acknowledging the part failed governments play in
creating and supporting terrorism. Regarding the significance of economic policy, development
assistance, diplomacy, and resolving cultural conflicts in fostering a more stable international
environment .
The author also highlights that the most significant point that why is USA always claiming that
that they are champions of democracy , human rights , individual liberty and providers of peace
where simultaneously they are bombing Iraq for political interest . 3 He is off the view that there
should be a single law which would be followed by All the states and the non state actors
regarding terrorism .
Moreover the important queries regarding the connection between globalisation and terrorism
are also addressed . Globalisation in some regions have improved the economic conditions by
ensuring good living standard, securing public health and more investment opportunities but it
has also caused economic disparities , cultural alienation and hostility in some regions of the
world. To solve these issues, I support the author's recommendations for fostering international
tolerance, multicultural education, and cultural exchanges. 4Lastly the author talks about long

2
https://www.jstor.org/stable/421717. (Accessed: 30 October 2023).

3
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/18/iraq-invasion-anniversary-american-poll-bush-
mistake. (Accessed: 30 October 2023).

4
https://theglobepost.com/2019/01/30/globalization-inequality/#:~:text=Why%20is
%20Inequality%20Increasing%3F,use%20more%20high%2Dskilled%20labor. (Accessed:
term solutions of the problems of terrorism which can be dealt with dialogue and toleration .
He is off the view that moderate religious leaders should denounce extremist groups among
them in account to nip the evil in the bud .

Conclusion :
Determining the underlying causes and circumstances is crucial, but acts of terrorism, such as
the horrific 9/11 atrocities and the worldwide Jihad episodes that followed, should never be
justified. Nonetheless, comprehending these reasons is essential for developing successful
counterterrorism tactics. The paper underlines the significance of comprehensive, multifaceted
responses and the necessity of addressing the complex factors linked to terrorist threats. A
multifaceted strategy that takes into account all aspects is needed to combat terrorism, with the
goal of achieving not only safety but also a better society based on human dignity, political and
economic freedom, and peaceful interactions. While pursuing diverse answers, effective
counterterrorism efforts must recognise the diversity of terrorism's origins.

References :

31 October 2023).
Joseph F. Pilat (no date) Wilson Center. Available at:
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/joseph-f-pilat. (Accessed: 31 October 2023).

2
Crenshaw, M. (no date) The causes of terrorism - JSTOR. Available at:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/421717. (Accessed: 30 October 2023).

3
(No date a) 20 years on, most Americans say Iraq invasion was the wrong ... - axios. Available
at: https://www.axios.com/2023/03/18/iraq-invasion-anniversary-american-poll-bush-mistake.
(Accessed: 30 October 2023).

4
Hauk, W.R. (2019) Globalization and inequality: Sharing wealth one of greatest challenges,
The Globe Post. Available at: https://theglobepost.com/2019/01/30/globalization-
inequality/#:~:text=Why%20is%20Inequality%20Increasing%3F,use%20more%20high
%2Dskilled%20labor. (Accessed: 31 October 2023).
5