Terrorism is probably the most used and abused word in todays world. What are the causes of terrorism and conflict? Can we see a peaceful world in our lifetimes? I'm afraid we are still at the beginning of a long drawn conflict.
The society has always been at war and so there is no reason to expect that our planet will be free from wars & conflicts. Terrorism is simply a modern form of conflict – and so we cant expect it to be wiped away too.
Birth of Conflict
Terrorism is born in a society that is Oppressed, Unequal and where the state has failed to live up to the expectations of the people. Eliminating these can help us reduce extremist tendencies in the society.
Oppression of people (Cause of Naxalism, Ethnic Conflicts etc..) & Inequality (Urban-rural divide, Educational divide, Cultural divide, Digital Divide, Opportunity divide, etc..) are to be contained and the divisions need to be bridged.
Balanced development
States and Nations must be strive for balanced development. The benefits of Modernization, Globalization and Urbanization must be evenly spread across geographies and cultures. Cross border trade systems should be setup in such a way that this objective can be achieved. For example – how about a differential import duty that is lower for goods from underdeveloped countries and higher for developed countries? How about lower tax rates for Industries setup in a region with lesser population or lower levels of education ?
Education, Poverty Alleviation
Education, Poverty alleviation and High Standards in Governance and Justice delivery systems are very important – not just nationally, but internationally. UN, which could have played a key role has simply failed in curbing the hegemony of a few states.
Cultural Exchanges
Cross Cultural Exchanges must be promoted on a large scale – at state expenses if required. Making an impression in the formative stage of the mind can make a huge difference. How about American kids spending a few months in Africa, Afghanistan or Iraq? And How about Free treatment for Sudanese children in India?
Cultures of the World as a Subject must be made mandatory for school children across the world – with the whole world adopting one syllabus for this subject. This subject must be taught for atleast 10 years. For example one Academic year could be dedicated to history and culture of Arab World and another year for Asian Cultures and yet another for Europe, etc.. This way one can at least expect that notions of stereotypes can be dispelled.
Secularism
Secular State Alliances must be formed to encourage more countries to practice secularism. This alliance must campaign for more secular states – and offer trade incentives to those renouncing their affinity for a religion.
Protecting Sovereignty of Nations
Sovereignty of Nations must be protected. Leaders of developed and developing Countries must have the courage to fight rogue states that bully the weak and crippled nations. If an international alliance of such countries could have been formed, Iraq and Afghanistan could have been protected. After all the US or the Europe cannot endure sanctions from nations such as China, India, Brazil, etc..This would have sent a clear message to the Oppressed societies that they can enlist global support if their cause is just.
The society has always been at war and so there is no reason to expect that our planet will be free from wars & conflicts. Terrorism is simply a modern form of conflict – and so we cant expect it to be wiped away too.
Birth of Conflict
Terrorism is born in a society that is Oppressed, Unequal and where the state has failed to live up to the expectations of the people. Eliminating these can help us reduce extremist tendencies in the society.
Oppression of people (Cause of Naxalism, Ethnic Conflicts etc..) & Inequality (Urban-rural divide, Educational divide, Cultural divide, Digital Divide, Opportunity divide, etc..) are to be contained and the divisions need to be bridged.
Balanced development
States and Nations must be strive for balanced development. The benefits of Modernization, Globalization and Urbanization must be evenly spread across geographies and cultures. Cross border trade systems should be setup in such a way that this objective can be achieved. For example – how about a differential import duty that is lower for goods from underdeveloped countries and higher for developed countries? How about lower tax rates for Industries setup in a region with lesser population or lower levels of education ?
Education, Poverty Alleviation
Education, Poverty alleviation and High Standards in Governance and Justice delivery systems are very important – not just nationally, but internationally. UN, which could have played a key role has simply failed in curbing the hegemony of a few states.
Cultural Exchanges
Cross Cultural Exchanges must be promoted on a large scale – at state expenses if required. Making an impression in the formative stage of the mind can make a huge difference. How about American kids spending a few months in Africa, Afghanistan or Iraq? And How about Free treatment for Sudanese children in India?
Cultures of the World as a Subject must be made mandatory for school children across the world – with the whole world adopting one syllabus for this subject. This subject must be taught for atleast 10 years. For example one Academic year could be dedicated to history and culture of Arab World and another year for Asian Cultures and yet another for Europe, etc.. This way one can at least expect that notions of stereotypes can be dispelled.
Secularism
Secular State Alliances must be formed to encourage more countries to practice secularism. This alliance must campaign for more secular states – and offer trade incentives to those renouncing their affinity for a religion.
Protecting Sovereignty of Nations
Sovereignty of Nations must be protected. Leaders of developed and developing Countries must have the courage to fight rogue states that bully the weak and crippled nations. If an international alliance of such countries could have been formed, Iraq and Afghanistan could have been protected. After all the US or the Europe cannot endure sanctions from nations such as China, India, Brazil, etc..This would have sent a clear message to the Oppressed societies that they can enlist global support if their cause is just.
