Terrorism remains an enigma in today’s globalised complex world. It will not disappear anytime soon but rather will continue to bedevil our lives. Even so, its impact and lethality may be limited by strengthening the intelligence and security apparatus. This paper details the different types of terrorism and explains the genesis of Islamic terror both as a product of the internal conditions of Muslim countries and the interventionist approach of Western powers, especially the US. It provides an in-depth analysis of the international ramifications of terrorism and the differences between “new” and “old” terrorism. The paper also explores the equally dangerous trend of right wing and leftist terrorism, discusses the various consequences of terrorism such as its economic impact and highlights the limitations of democracy when confronted by terrorism. At the end, it makes a case for a multipronged strategy inclusive of the de-radicalisation of groups susceptible to terrorist ideology as long-term means to combat terrorism.
