Mentor’s Comment:   UPSC mains have always focused on grave challenge to national security (2017), and ‘pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council ’ (2015)

Wars are raging, global institutions are failing, and terrorism is evolving in new, digital, and decentralized forms. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and Gaza crisis dominate headlines, subterranean threats such as radicalization and lone-wolf terrorism are quietly reshaping global security risks.

Today’s editorial highlights why the world is in a volatile state, how extremist groups are adapting, and why counterterrorism efforts must evolve to meet these new challenges. This content will help in GS paper 2 (Security issues).

Why in the News?

The world is going through an unpredictable phase, with wars, conflicts, and terrorism on the rise. The post-1945 global order has collapsed, and international institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are failing to prevent violence. At the same time, terrorism is evolving, using digital tools and decentralized networks to survive and grow.

Why is the Present Period Unpredictable?

• Wars in Europe and West Asia:
  • The Ukraine war continues with no clear end in sight.
  • The Gaza conflict and tensions in Lebanon have led to large-scale civilian casualties.
• Failure of Global Institutions:
  • The UNSC and ICJ have become powerless observers, unable to stop wars.
  • The principles of international law are now ignored by major powers.
• Moral and Political Decline:
  • Nations are acting in self-interest, with no common moral framework.
  • Peace efforts are temporary and do not address the root causes of conflicts.

What are the Recent Subterranean Activities?

• False Sense of Stability in West Asia:
  • Some believe that Israeli military actions have weakened Iran’s regional influence.
  • However, underground resistance movements are growing, keeping tensions high.
• Resurgence of Islamist Extremism:
  • Jihadist groups are reorganizing, using online radicalization.
  • “Lone wolf” attacks are increasing, making them harder to predict.
• Digital Radicalization:
  • Terrorist groups are recruiting and training people online.
  • Social media and encrypted messaging apps are used to spread extremist ideologies.

How Terrorism is Witnessing a Revival?

• Terrorism is Adapting:
  • Since 1979, terrorist networks have evolved.
  • Al-Qaeda and ISIS have used both military and digital strategies to stay active.
  • Now, terrorism is shifting towards smaller, more frequent attacks.
• Al-Qaeda and ISIS Regrouping:
  • Al-Qaeda is training militants in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule.
  • ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP) is expanding its operations beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan.
  • Attacks have been reported in Moscow, Türkiye, and Iran.
• More Small-Scale Attacks:
  • Instead of large bombings, modern terrorism relies on:
    • Lone-wolf attacks (one person acting alone).
    • Vehicle attacks, knives, or simple explosives.
    • AI-driven propaganda to recruit supporters.
• Recent Terror Attacks in the U.S.:
  • Las Vegas Cyber Truck Explosion: A Tesla exploded outside a hotel where President-elect Donald Trump was staying.
  • New Orleans Vehicle Attack: A former soldier drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 people while displaying an ISIS flag.
  • Virginia Terror Plot: Authorities foiled a planned attack in early 2025.
• Warnings for the Future:
  • Experts warn of a new wave of terror attacks using digital tools.
  • Security agencies worldwide are on high alert to prevent further incidents.

Conclusion

A technology-driven and cooperative global approach is essential to counter rising conflicts and terrorism. Nations must strengthen international institutions, use AI for surveillance, and enforce stricter digital regulations to prevent online radicalization. Community engagement and de-radicalization programs can help address extremism at its roots. Stronger border security, cyber-tracking, and intelligence-sharing will be key to preventing future attacks. As threats become more decentralized and digital, proactive measures and global collaboration are the only paths to lasting peace.

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