Coursework Sample: State Sponsored Terrorism

Many countries in the world have experienced terror attacks at different occasions. These terror attacks lead to a vast destruction of properties worth millions and also mass killings. Some of these attacks are carried out by a single person or a group of people. Terror attack takes various forms which include bombings, mass shooting, airplane hijacks, sabotage, and bombs. The United States Department of security works tirelessly to ensure that it stops these attacks before they occur. Some of the attacks happen before the government can catch the perpetrators. However, over the years, the government hasmanaged to avert numerous attacks that would have otherwise caused human and property losses. Terrorists target to kill large numbers of innocent people as a way to get the states attention. Some terroristscarry out terror activities to affect the political or economic stability of a country. Some do it as a way of getting the government to meet their demands. Notably, most terror attacks on American soil are carried out by American citizens or residents of the country. Another form of terrorism referred to as state-sponsored terrorism is taking control of assaults occurring currently. Studies have shown that this type of terrorism causes more significant damage than non-state sponsored terrorism. Therefore, it is important to explore its definitions, its various forms and its global implications as discussed in this essay.

Terrorism itself can be defined as the illegal use of equipment to harm a large number of people or to destroy properties with ill intentions of bringing a government to its knees or even creating a hostile environment that will crash the country either politically or economically. However, state-sponsored terrorism can take different forms depending on the role the government plays in the terror attacks. In general, state-sponsored terrorism is referred to as the act by a state or government to support terror activities in various ways. A particular nation may support terrorism through theprovision of funds and operational materials to a terrorist cell to make their operations successful in the hope that these terror attack will assist the government. The government can also support terrorism by helping terror cells learnmultiple skills and crucial information they require for their success (Cohan, 2002). Also, a state may fail to take action on any reports on terror attacks as a way of showing that they support the attacks that will occur. Notably, the government can also support terrorism, but in an indirect form. This type of support is when the government cannot take action on terrorists due to lack of equipment, funds or support which makes it responsible for the attacks (Cohan, 2002).

Unlike the early years when terrorist attacks were easy to identify and stop, terrorism today is very hard to detect majorly because these groups or cells are receiving significant support from states through money and equipment hence the attacks are well strategized. Terrorism has had a significant impact globally. It has become a vital topic of interest among global meetings. Countries are trying to find ways to deal with state-sponsored terrorism which has become a prominent type of terrorism in the current days. This kind of terrorism has affected activities such as tourism. In the early years when terrorism was not a threat, it was easier for people to travel around the world without fears of getting attacked during their tours. However, this freedom is no longer available (Jarvis & Lister 2014). Tourists have to scrutinize the countries they plan to visit carefully for possibilities of terror attacks. Due to frequent attacks in some countries, it is impossible for them to receive any tourists which affect the state economically. Terrorism also affects trade relationships between various nations due to the fear of attacks. Some states are prone to terror attacks thatsway away business managers and investors in these countries hencedeteriorated economy (Jarvis & Lister 2014).

In conclusion, it is clear to note that terrorism has become a significant threat in both developed and developing countries. Some of these terror attacks are non-government sponsored while the government sponsors some. Thesegovernment-sponsored attacks are increasing with every passing day which is making the world a less safe place. Unlike the past, it is tough to travel to some countries due to terror risks. State-sponsored terrorismcomprises of different forms such as terrorism that is funded by the state, terrorism in which the government assists terrorists with equipment and workforce, terrorism where the government ignores any information on terrorism which makes it easy for terrorism to attack a state. These terror attacks have had impacts globally such as affecting tourism and international trade among countries with a high risk of these attacks.

Reference

Cohan, J. A. (2002). Formulation of a State's Response to Terrorism and State-Sponsored Terrorism. Pace Int'l L. Rev., 14, 77.

Jarvis, L., & Lister, M. (2014). State terrorism research and critical terrorism studies: an assessment. Critical Studies on Terrorism, 7(1), 43-61.