Beyond Ideology: The Complex Determinants of Terrorism in Contemporary Pakistan

Abstract

Terrorism in Pakistan is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be attributed to ideological factors alone. In today's Pakistan, terrorism stems from a confluence of socioeconomic concerns, political repressions, regional power dynamics, historical frictions, as well as institutional weaknesses. By employing Relative deprivation and Political Opportunity structure theories, this study aims to explore how perceived relative social, economic, and political deprivation breeds fertile ground for radicalization, which terrorist organizations further exploit through ethnic and sectarian divisions. The research paper examines the role of the State’s inconsistent policies, political instability, and governance deficits in exacerbating the situation. Along with potential root causes, the socioeconomic and psychological impacts are also analyzed. This study also evaluates Pakistan's counterterrorism measures and the hindrances, such as corruption, lack of coordination among the agencies, and the need for a holistic approach to address the broader issues. Pakistan’s challenging geographical terrain, as well as its historical entanglement in regional conflicts, pose additional challenges in its efforts to combat terrorism. The contemporary digital modes of terrorist financing are adding to the complexity. A qualitative research methodology presents a holistic picture of the complex determinants in modern Pakistan. Overall, the objectives of this study are twofold. The first is to provide a detailed analysis of the diverse factors contributing to terrorism in Pakistan, and the second is to decode the emerging modes of terrorist financing.