International Terrorism
BACKGROUND GUIDE
LPS G20 MODEL | INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM Welcome Note from the Executive Board
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the LPS G20 Summit on the Long-Term Human Cost of Terrorism. As we gather to address this critical issue, we must look beyond immediate security concerns and focus on the lasting psychological, social, and economic consequences that shape the lives of survivors, particularly children and future generations.
This summit is an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, explore global case studies, and develop actionable strategies that prioritize recovery, resilience, and reintegration. Your role as representatives is crucial in shaping policies that ensure a sustainable and humane approach to post-terrorism recovery.
We encourage you to think critically, collaborate effectively, and propose innovative solutions that will drive impactful change. The future of global stability and resilience is in your hands, and we look forward to your valuable contributions.
Best regards, The Executive Board
Introduction
Terrorism is not just about physical destruction—it deeply impacts lives, fractures societies, and alters futures for generations. Beyond immediate loss, its effects extend to mental health, education, economic stability, and social cohesion, leaving long-lasting scars.
Children bear the heaviest burden, facing psychological trauma, disrupted education, and displacement, while families struggle with grief, financial hardship, and insecurity. Communities, once thriving, grapple with lost trust and fractured relationships, making recovery even harder. Economically, industries collapse, investments decline, and job opportunities shrink, deepening instability and widening social divides. The damage is not just to infrastructure but to the very fabric of society.
Addressing these lasting consequences requires more than rebuilding—it demands comprehensive recovery strategies that focus on healing, resilience, and reintegration. This summit provides a vital platform to explore these challenges, fostering dialogue and collaboration to help affected individuals and communities rebuild, reconnect, and move forward with hope.
KEY DISCUSSION AREAS
1. Mental Health & Psychological Impact
Key Questions:
1. How does prolonged exposure to terrorism-related trauma affect individual and community mental health across generations?
2. What are the most effective models for large-scale psychological rehabilitation in post-terrorism recovery?
3. How can nations integrate mental health care into disaster response frameworks to ensure long-term psychological support for victims?
Case Study
1: Gaza Conflict
Over 90% of children in Gaza exhibit signs of severe trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Prolonged exposure to violence leads to emotional numbness, aggression, and vulnerability to radicalization.
Limited access to mental health support increases the risk of extremist recruitment
2: India – 26/11 Mumbai Attacks (2008)
Mumbai’s attack survivors experienced long-term trauma, hyper-vigilance, and anxiety disorders, particularly among first responders and families of victims. However, mental health support was limited, with NGOs filling the gap through grief counseling, community therapy, and resilience programs. This highlighted the need for institutionalized mental health infrastructure post-terrorism.
G20 Perspective:
G20 nations are increasingly recognizing mental health as an essential part of crisis recovery, focusing on scalable trauma therapy models, digital mental health services, and training first responders in psychological care.
2. Education Disruption
Key Questions:
1. How do acts of terrorism impact school attendance, curriculum delivery, and long-term educational access in affected regions?
2. What role does education play in preventing radicalization and promoting resilience among youth exposed to terrorism?
3. How can digital learning technologies and international collaborations ensure educational continuity for children in conflict-affected areas?
Case Study
1: India – Kashmir Conflict & Pulwama Attack (2019)
Terrorist violence in Kashmir has led to frequent school shutdowns, displacement, and educational setbacks, affecting thousands of students. In response, initiatives like community-led schools, mobile classrooms, and digital learning programs have helped maintain some continuity. However, psychological stress and lack of consistent learning remain major hurdles.
2: Nigeria – Boko Haram’s Attack on Education
Boko Haram, whose name translates to "Western education is forbidden," has targeted schools for years, kidnapping students and destroying educational infrastructure. The Nigerian government and international organizations have responded with safe school initiatives, scholarship programs for survivors, and trauma-informed education reforms.
G20 Perspective:
G20 discussions emphasize education as a resilience tool, focusing on remote learning solutions, policy frameworks for school safety, and cross-border collaboration in rebuilding education systems in conflict zones.
3. Economic Consequences & Rebuilding Strategies
Key Questions:
1. How do terrorist attacks disrupt national and regional economies, affecting key industries, trade, and employment?
2. What strategies have proven most effective in restoring economic confidence and attracting investment post-terrorism?
3. How can governments and private sectors collaborate to rebuild infrastructure and economic stability in terrorism-affected regions?
Case Study
USA – 9/11 Attacks (2001)
The 9/11 attacks resulted in massive economic losses, including destruction of infrastructure, a stock market crash, and a long-term impact on global financial markets. The U.S. government responded with economic stimulus measures, security investments, and financial support for affected businesses, demonstrating the importance of strong financial recovery mechanisms post-terrorism.
G20 Perspective:
G20 leaders emphasize economic resilience through investment recovery strategies, counter-terrorism financing measures, and rebuilding investor confidence in affected regions.
4. Social Fragmentation & Community Healing
Key Questions:
1. How can communities rebuild social trust and cohesion after acts of terrorism, particularly in diverse and multicultural societies?
2. What role do interfaith dialogue and cultural initiatives play in reducing polarization and fostering unity post-terrorism?
3. How can media and digital platforms contribute to reconciliation efforts while preventing misinformation and radicalization?
Case Study
UK – 7/7 London Bombings (2005)
Following the attack, London saw rising Islamophobia and social tensions. The UK government introduced community engagement programs, interfaith dialogues, and anti-radicalization initiatives, fostering long-term efforts to prevent social divisions.
G20 Perspective:
G20 nations promote inclusive governance, digital literacy programs to counter misinformation, and cross-cultural initiatives to rebuild trust and social harmony post-terrorism
Country-Specific Positions on the Long-Term Human Cost of Terrorism
Argentina
Focuses on regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation within Latin America.
Supports victim compensation programs and trauma recovery services.
Advocates for stronger anti-money laundering laws to curb terror financing.
Promotes de-radicalization and community reintegration initiatives.
Encourages international cooperation in intelligence sharing.
Australia
Prioritizes psychological rehabilitation for victims of terrorism.
Invests in counter-radicalization programs for at-risk youth.
Supports international anti-terror laws and cyberterrorism prevention.
Stresses the importance of media regulation to prevent extremist propaganda.
Promotes foreign aid for nations recovering from terrorist attacks.
Brazil
Advocates for economic recovery plans in terrorism-affected regions.
Supports stronger border control to prevent extremist infiltration.
Encourages social inclusion policies to prevent radicalization.
Focuses on public-private partnerships in counterterrorism efforts.
Seeks multilateral cooperation in combating organized crime linked to terrorism.
Canada
Emphasizes mental health and trauma support for victims.
Strengthens policies against extremist propaganda and online radicalization.
Promotes refugee and asylum policies for those displaced by terrorism.
Advocates for gender-sensitive approaches to countering terrorism.
Invests in counter-terrorism training and intelligence sharing.
China
Implements strict national security laws to combat terrorism domestically.
Supports international anti-terrorism financial tracking systems.
Advocates for stronger UN-led counterterrorism initiatives.
Invests in infrastructure development to combat terrorism-linked poverty.
Opposes external interference in national counterterrorism strategies.
France
Prioritizes victim support through national compensation funds.
Strengthens anti-radicalization laws, especially in schools and prisons.
Supports NATO and EU-led counterterrorism operations.
Advocates for stricter border security and migrant screening.
Invests in intelligence sharing and surveillance technology.
Germany
Focuses on humanitarian aid and reintegration programs.
Invests in education and employment for displaced populations.
Advocates for EU-wide counterterrorism intelligence coordination.
Supports counterterrorism financing through stricter banking laws.
Strengthens refugee screening measures while maintaining asylum policies.
India
Calls for global action against cross-border terrorism.
Supports victim rehabilitation and compensation programs.
Strengthens anti-terror laws to prevent radicalization.
Encourages global cooperation in countering cyberterrorism.
Advocates for UN reform to better address terrorism-related issues.
Indonesia
Focuses on rehabilitation programs for radicalized individuals.
Supports community-led counterterrorism efforts.
Advocates for stronger laws against terrorist financing.
Invests in interfaith dialogue to prevent religious extremism.
Works with ASEAN for regional counterterrorism initiatives.
Italy
Prioritizes cultural preservation in areas affected by terrorism.
Supports EU-wide efforts in counterterrorism intelligence sharing.
Strengthens financial monitoring systems to prevent terror funding.
Invests in mental health support for survivors.
Encourages integration programs for displaced persons.
Japan
Invests in technology-driven counterterrorism measures.
Prioritizes countering cyberterrorism and online radicalization.
Supports international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
Funds counterterrorism efforts in developing nations.
Strengthens economic recovery initiatives post-terrorism.
Mexico
Strengthens border security and counter-narcoterrorism policies.
Advocates for economic investment in at-risk regions.
Supports public-private partnerships for counterterrorism.
Implements youth-focused de-radicalization programs.
Encourages cross-border cooperation with the U.S. and Latin America.
Russia
Supports counterterrorism military interventions.
Advocates for stricter internet regulation to curb extremist content.
Opposes Western interference in national security policies.
Strengthens counterterrorism alliances with Central Asia.
Invests in intelligence and cyber warfare capabilities.
Saudi Arabia
Implements de-radicalization programs for former extremists.
Strengthens financial tracking to prevent terror funding.
Supports international intelligence-sharing networks.
Prioritizes security cooperation within the Middle East.
Advocates for a religious approach to countering extremism.
South Africa
Focuses on economic development to prevent radicalization.
Advocates for human rights-centered counterterrorism policies.
Strengthens law enforcement training on counterterrorism.
Encourages continental cooperation through the African Union.
Supports post-terrorism mental health programs.
South Korea
Invests in counterterrorism cybersecurity measures.
Supports international peacekeeping missions.
Advocates for regional cooperation against terrorism in Asia.
Strengthens intelligence-sharing partnerships with the U.S. and allies.
Funds education programs to counter extremist ideologies.
Turkey
Prioritizes border security and anti-terrorist military operations.
Balances counterterrorism with refugee policies.
Strengthens regional cooperation with Middle Eastern nations.
Supports financial regulations to cut terrorist funding.
Advocates for a diplomatic approach to reducing radicalization.
United Kingdom
Invests in victim support and rehabilitation programs.
Strengthens counterterrorism surveillance and intelligence-sharing.
Supports global action against terrorist organizations.
Encourages community-led efforts to prevent radicalization.
Advocates for cybersecurity measures to prevent online extremism.
United States
Prioritizes counterterrorism military operations abroad.
Strengthens domestic surveillance and intelligence-sharing.
Invests in countering domestic radicalization and extremism.
Supports international aid for post-terror recovery.
Leads global coalitions against terrorist organizations.
European Union (as an entity)
Strengthens counterterrorism cooperation among EU nations.
Implements uniform refugee screening policies.
Invests in education programs to prevent radicalization.
Supports digital initiatives to counter online extremism.
Advocates for victim support and rehabilitation funding.
African Union (as a guest entity)
Focuses on economic stability to counter terrorism in Africa.
Strengthens military coalitions against extremist groups.
Advocates for international investment in counterterrorism efforts.
Supports regional intelligence-sharing initiatives.
Encourages peacekeeping efforts in conflict zones.
VALID RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH
G20 Official Reports & Summit Declarations
G20 Official Website – Statements and commitments on counter-terrorism and global security.
G20 Leaders’ Summit Declarations – Previous declarations discussing counter-terrorism strategies and their long-term societal impact.
United Nations & Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Research on counter-terrorism laws and victim support programs.
UNDP Human Development Reports – Analysis of terrorism’s impact on global development, poverty, and inequality.
Economic and Social Research Institutions
World Economic Forum (WEF) – Reports on the economic cost of terrorism and security threats to global markets.
International Labour Organization (ILO) – Studies on job displacement, migration, and labor market effects due to terrorism.
OECD Reports – Analysis of counter-terrorism financing, economic resilience, and long-term costs of terrorism on national economies.
Academic Journals & Think Tanks
Brookings Institution – Research on global counter-terrorism policies, radicalization prevention, and victim support.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – In-depth studies on global security threats, peacebuilding, and the societal impact of terrorism.
Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center – Reports on counter-terrorism strategies, cyberterrorism, and government responses to extremism.
Government Policy Papers & National Strategies
U.S. Department of State Counterterrorism Reports – Official reports on terrorism trends and national responses.
UK Home Office Counter-Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST) – Framework for preventing and responding to terrorism.
National Economic and Cultural Policies of G20 Member States – Individual country strategies on mitigating the long-term costs of terrorism.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Books & Reports
"Terrorism: How to Respond" – Richard English – Analyzes the effectiveness of counter-terrorism policies.
"The Psychology of Terrorism" – John Horgan – Examines the mental health effects on victims and radicalization processes.
"Countering Terrorism: No Simple Solutions" – Martha Crenshaw – Discusses government approaches to reducing long-term impacts.
Relevant Documentaries & Media
"City of Ghosts" (Amazon Prime) – Chronicles the resilience of civilians in war-torn regions affected by terrorism.
"Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror" (Netflix) – Explores the long-term consequences of terrorism on global security and policy.
"The Fog of War" (Documentary) – A deep dive into decision-making in conflict and terrorism responses.
Expected Outcomes for Delegates:
Policy Formation: Develop comprehensive policies that address the multifaceted human costs of terrorism, incorporating economic, psychological, and societal considerations.
Enhanced Support Systems: Establish robust support mechanisms for victims and survivors, ensuring access to mental health services, financial assistance, and legal aid.
International Collaboration: Foster international cooperation to share best practices, intelligence, and resources aimed at mitigating the long-term impacts of terrorism.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiate campaigns to raise public awareness about the enduring human costs of terrorism and the importance of societal resilience.
Legal Framework Enhancement: Review and strengthen legal frameworks to balance effective counter-terrorism measures with the protection of human rights and civil liberties.
Research and Data Collection: Encourage ongoing research and data collection to better understand the long-term effects of terrorism and inform evidence-based policymaking.
Conclusion
The effect of terrorism goes far beyond the direct loss of human life; it creates a permanent human cost that spans generations. Terror attack victims, especially children, are likely to develop long-term psychological trauma, interrupted educational success, unstable social lives, and economic hardship.
However, with the right interventions, these child survivors can be empowered to heal, rebuild their lives, and become productive members of society. By providing mental health services, education, community revitalization, and economic empowerment, we can empower these children to break the cycle of destruction.
The real battle against terror is not one of triumph over assailants—but of healing the generations terrorized