What socio-economic factors cause terrorism?
Poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity make people vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
Why does poverty increase radicalisation?
Extremist groups offer money, food and belonging to desperate individuals.
Give an example of socio-economic causes.
Boko Haram recruits poor youths in Northern Nigeria by offering wages.
Why is unemployment linked to terrorism?
Unemployed youths feel hopeless and seek purpose through extremist groups.
Example of unemployment causing terrorism?
Unemployed Tunisian men joined ISIS (2014–2016).
What is political grievance?
When groups feel oppressed, excluded or denied self-determination.
Why does political oppression cause terrorism?
People believe violence is the only way to challenge injustice.
Political grievance example?
Hamas opposes Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land.
What historical grievance do Palestinians refer to?
The Balfour Declaration (1917) – seen as enabling displacement.
What happened after Hamas won the 2006 election?
They took control of Gaza (2007) → international blockade.
How does religion cause terrorism?
Extremists twist religious texts to justify violence.
Example of religious extremism?
ISIS uses extreme interpretations of Islam to justify attacks.
Why does religion attract recruits?
Provides identity, belonging and purpose.
Are most terrorists deeply religious?
No – many join for belonging, not faith.
What is Islamophobia?
Hatred, fear or discrimination towards Muslims.
How does Islamophobia fuel terrorism?
Creates alienation → extremists exploit this anger.
Statistic example?
Islamophobic incidents rose 500% in Manchester after 2017 attack.
Another statistic?
Anti-Muslim hate crimes rose 40% in London.
Far-right terrorism example?
Finsbury Park Mosque attack (2017) – Darren Osborne.
Is there one cause of terrorism?
No – it is multi-causal.
Which factors are strongest?
Political grievance and socio-economic deprivation.
Key conclusion?
Terrorism occurs when multiple pressures combine.
