The impacts of terrorism

Terrorism has an impact on the societies that it affects or targets. While this impact can be one-off or limited, nowadays—with the terrorism of radical Islamic groups such as al-Qaeda and, more recently, ISIS—it tends to be heavy and long lasting, even if it does change over time. Terrorism aims to create terror, a feeling of insecurity, and the idea that leaders can no longer protect those they lead. It leaves people stunned, and has an emotional impact that lives on through its political implications.