Over time, terrorism has changed, and academics frequently divide it into old terrorism and new terrorism. Traditional methods were widely deployed by state-sponsored terrorism, which was common until the late 20th century. Non-state actor’s adoption of unusual tactics like suicide bombers is a characteristic of new terrorism, which emerged in the late 20th century(Jarvis & Whiting, 2023). This essay compares and contrasts these two types of terrorism, focusing on their causes, goals, strategies, and effects on global security.
Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) are two examples of old terrorism from the Cold War era, which was motivated by nationalist and separation goals of gaining territorial control. On the other hand, with the rise of new terrorism, which occurred mostly in the late 20th century, there was a shift towards non-state actors, which were driven by religious objectives and global ideologies. The new terrorism, characterized by organizations such as Al-Qaeda, goes beyond traditional territorial goals and focuses on establishing global impact (Kock, 2020). Therefore, counterterrorism techniques face problems due to this growth, as these groups’ worldwide reach and motives entail a shift from the local-focused strategies utilized against old terrorism.
Old terrorism included strategies like bombing, kidnappings, and killings, frequently focusing on certain military or political leaders to accomplish regional political goals by imposing fear and pressure. New terrorism, represented by organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, moved towards strategies that prioritized assaults with symbolic significance and large-scale deaths (Kock, 2020). As a result, these groups adopted large-scale, random violence, airline hijackings, and suicide bombings, shifting from the more focused tactics of old terrorism. The emphasis shifted from local political change to a more significant global influence.
In addition, the physical constraints of the pre-digital period hindered group communication and coordination during the old terrorism era. These groups’ size and scale of operations were naturally limited by their reliance on local and regional networks. Global communication networks and technology, on the other hand, have had a transforming influence on the rise of new terrorism (Saifuddin, 2022). Technologies are used by modern organizations, such as those connected to ISIS and Al-Qaeda, for propaganda and recruitment. Social media platforms are particularly crucial in spreading the story of the global jihadist movements, drawing supporters worldwide. These platforms cut across national borders and offer a degree of connection and power that was unthinkable in the days of old terrorism.
States pursuing their geopolitical objectives assisted some organizations in the framework of old terrorism during the Cold War. States added to the geopolitical environment complications by giving these organizations financial support and education. In contrast, a more decentralized network structure that frequently functions without direct official backing characterizes new terrorism (Jarvis & Whiting, 2023). A more no-state-centric approach is the general trend; however, certain organizations under the new terrorism may still receive backing from friendly governments. Some of these organizations may take advantage of areas with weak political regulations, giving them more freedom in their operations. Modern counterterrorism measures face challenges due to the change to independent operational groups in the new terrorism.
Finally, the effects of old terrorism, which originated in domestic and regional disputes, on international security were minimal. The responses were limited to certain areas, and the international cooperation could have been better. However, because it is worldwide, new terrorism poses a greater threat to global security. These organizations, such as ISIS, exploit weaknesses across national boundaries, posing a threat that cuts across established geopolitical borders. Given the interconnectedness of security challenges in the global context, more international collaboration is essential in the fight for new terrorism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there have been substantial changes in the global security, strategies, and motivations behind the transition. Terrorism has evolved from locally focused to internationally focused. Comprehending these modifications is essential to formulating effective tactics against the changing terrorism. Therefore, it is important to address the dynamic nature of the contemporary terrorist state.
References
Jarvis, L., & Whiting, A. (2023). Everyday security and the newspaper obituary: Reproducing and contesting terrorism discourse. Security Dialogue, 09670106231201243. https://doi.org/10.1177/09670106231201243
Kock, M. R. (2020). Updating terrorism. The changing uses of the internet by terrorists in the West (Master’s thesis). https://studenttheses.uu.nl/handle/20.500.12932/37379
Saifuddin, A. (2022). NORMS AND NEW MEDIA AS NEW PILLARS OF NEW NETWORK TERRORISM. al-Balagh: Jurnal Dakwah dan Komunikasi, 7(2), 175-210. https://doi.org/10.22515/albalagh.v7i2.5365
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