UNAIR NEWS – As a discipline that focuses on understanding the relations between countries, International Relations deems terrorism as one of the hottest issues due to the global network of terrorism that threatens national security. In this case, the government plays a major role in dealing with and preventing the development of terrorism, especially in the domestic sphere.
Addressing the issue, UNAIR International Relations Department invited Thomas A. Wuchte, Executive Director of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law based in Malta. Thomas was featured in the guest lecture on ‘Covid-19 Pandemic Threat and Response’, which focused on the development of terrorism issues.
He began the lecture by introducing the basics of the strategy established by the United Nations (UN) on terrorism. The UN ensures the mechanism for determining the conditions that promote terrorism. There are also the prevention and counter-terrorism tactics and how to strengthen intervention from the state and the UN. The strategy is based on the principles of human rights and the force of law.
“Apart from the law enforcement, in dealing with terrorism, international cooperation is essential, for example, for an exchange of information,” said the International Relations postgraduate program alumnus of the University of Illinois.
He added, “The government can manage the counter-terrorism strategy that covers several aspects.” He further highlighted the importance of positive incentives, which the government must ensure to fulfill the community’s economic welfare.
Apart from the financial aspect, political and social participation cannot be overlooked. The former senior adviser to the US Department of State affirmed that the community’s identity is frequently excluded and set as the opposition will ignite jealousy. It will lead to a hotbed of terrorism. There should be attempts to resolve the political issues that may have been ignored in the former reign.
“The state has an enormous capability and influence in countering the issue,” Thomas said.
In other words, the efficiency of state intervention in terrorism will highly rely on state power—for instance, the number of military troops, political culture, and the people’s support. The government will also consider the risk before intervening in the terrorist network.
Last, the public diplomacy and multilateralism expert ended the forum with the idea of preventing terrorism in general. The sectors of education, health, religion, and economic development must be synergized to build a strong society. To realize the goal, women and youth empowerment should be a few of the greatest concerns. (*)
Author: Deanita Nurkhalisa
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
