Transnational terrorism: a threat to global security

Luc Calléja

doi:10.26619/1647-7251.12.1.1

Abstract

The beginning of the twenty-first century is characterised by the emergence of a new political landscape significantly influenced by globalisation. The rising interconnectivity that results from this phenomenon implies the need to redefine the concepts of international politics, strategies, threats, and security. In parallel, new technologies have enabled transnational threats to develop and come up as a primary concern for the great powers and global governance. Based on the analysis of previous works and relevant studies on the field (Brown, 2017; Bannelier-Christakis, 2016; Jones, Pascual, & Stedman, 2009; Garcia, 2006), this essay explores the emergence of transnational terrorism and the expansion of religious extremism as major threats for states and individuals nowadays. While searching to answer the question of how to address terrorism and violent extremism, this article analyses diverse positions, measures, and consequences that have originated in a context of global insecurity. The increasing interdependency between internal and external security has called states to develop new strategies to maintain stability and order. The article emphasises the need to build partnerships and enhance collaboration at all levels to meet the challenges posed by transnational terrorism. In this context of growing insecurity, nations are urged to cooperate with different actors to protect their sovereignty and strengthen human security. Is the contemporary political landscape characterised by insecurity and disorder?

Highlights

The unipolar world that emerged with the disappearance of the Soviet bloc and the affirmation of the United States as a superpower has increasingly been questioned after the tragic events of 9/11
Russia’s power is rising back mainly due to its energy resources; Japan is the third world economy and exerts an active diplomacy worldwide; India emerges as a growing economy and a nuclear power; Brazil and South Africa arise as regional powers that start developing their influence on a global scale; China appears as a commercial and financial superpower; the European Union is an important actor in the world trade and constitutes the world’s biggest aid provider; the United States remains a significant power and influence, with a defense budget equal to the one of rest of the world (Kaiser & Rochefort, 2007: 627)
This research aims at answering the following research question: How do states confront the climate of global insecurity that arises from transnational terrorism? Other relevant research questions include: How does transnational terrorism affect the landscape of international relations? How do major powers deal with radical Islamism and the consequences it originates? Is the new international system characterised by a global disorder dominated by transnational terrorist organisations?

Summary

Introduction

The unipolar world that emerged with the disappearance of the Soviet bloc and the affirmation of the United States as a superpower has increasingly been questioned after the tragic events of 9/11. Russia’s power is rising back mainly due to its energy resources; Japan is the third world economy and exerts an active diplomacy worldwide; India emerges as a growing economy and a nuclear power; Brazil and South Africa arise as regional powers that start developing their influence on a global scale; China appears as a commercial and financial superpower; the European Union is an important actor in the world trade and constitutes the world’s biggest aid provider; the United States remains a significant power and influence, with a defense budget equal to the one of rest of the world (Kaiser & Rochefort, 2007: 627) In this globalised landscape, the emergence of new technologies has increased interactions between actors. This research aims at answering the following research question: How do states confront the climate of global insecurity that arises from transnational terrorism? Other relevant research questions include: How does transnational terrorism affect the landscape of international relations? How do major powers deal with radical Islamism and the consequences it originates? Is the new international system characterised by a global disorder dominated by transnational terrorist organisations?

Transnational Terrorism in a Globalised Context

What Responses to the Global Disorder?

Conclusion