Transnational Terrorism: Evolving Threats and Responses

Transnational terrorism has emerged as the most formidable threat in the asymmetric wars of the 21st Century. It operates simultaneously across continents threatening Westphalian states and modern democratic norms of governance. The paradigm shift in strategy and character of the conflict from physical to cognitive domain is indicative of political aspirations of global Jihad for a Caliphate. Technology has made it possible for the terrorists to surmount, geographical and demographic barriers by connecting with likeminded affiliates and cadres through the internet and social media. Individuals and small groups have the potential to use an array of new and emerging technologies, including drones, self-driven vehicles, autonomous weapon systems, virtual currencies, encrypted communications and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their reach and lethality. The international community will have to fight transnational terrorism bilaterally, multilaterally and through regional and international organisations. This book thus, attempts to address issues pertaining to transnational terrorism; their ideology, the modus operandi, use of technology, cyber and informative space, financial transactions, etc. Further, the book attempts to have a cross fertilisation and synthesization of perspectives from various regions in order to identify evolving trends, and then articulate a comprehensive, collective approach to combat transnational terrorism in all its manifestations.