The link between violence and governance failures

The current wave of violence and acrimony arising from terrorism in Pakistan — particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan — has once again made it imperative to revisit and understand the concept of terrorism.

In a recent interview, I defined terrorism as acts committed with political objectives, designed not merely to target an individual but to generate fear, attract attention and destabilise entire societies. A leading academician challenged this, suggesting that politics should not be part of the definition. Yet, global scholarship and institutional definitions affirm that political or ideological intent lies at the very heart of terrorism.

German scholar H Schmitt describes terrorism as the creation of "panic and fear in societies to achieve political goals", whether based on ideological, revolutionary, nationalist or religious motivations. Similarly, Charles Townshend defined it as "the calculated use of threat or violence to inculcate fear, intended to coerce or intimidate governments or societies." The FBI's definition is even clearer — terrorism is "the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or the civilian population in furtherance of political or social objectives." Bruce Hoffman, in Inside Terrorism, identifies five essential features: political motives, use or threat of violence, psychological impact, organised structures, and subnational or non-state actors.

The United Nations also defines terrorism as actions intended to cause death or serious harm to civilians "to intimidate a population or compel a government or organisation to act or refrain from acting". Even Pakistan's Supreme Court has recognised terrorism as violence extending beyond individual victims, serving broader objectives. Taken together, these definitions make one thing clear: terrorism is not random crime. It is purposeful violence pursued to advance political, ideological or social goals.

Understanding terrorism through this prism highlights an uncomfortable truth - counterterrorism cannot rely solely on force. States must also address governance failures that create fertile ground for extremism. Good governance — a term often cited in political manifestoes and international frameworks — rests on principles of welfare, security and justice. But Pakistan continues to suffer from systemic governance deficiencies that have undermined peace, development, and stability.

Political instability, corruption, social injustice, economic decline and civil-military tensions are not isolated problems; they are symptoms of deeper governance fractures. When the state fails to deliver justice or equity, grievances fester, and disillusioned groups seek violent alternatives. Sociologist Charles Tilly observed that violence often emerges from perceived inequality and exclusion. Relative deprivation and distributive injustice create resentment that can spiral into extremism. Francis Fukuyama, too, stresses that governance begins with a state's ability to enforce laws and maintain order. Without a monopoly on legitimate force, societies slide into disorder and lawlessness — conditions extremists exploit.

After 9/11, weak states were recognised globally as breeding grounds for terrorism. Fragile governance structures allow militant networks to thrive, making the study of state fragility central to global security. Scholars have long identified the governance deficits that sustain Pakistan's instability. In Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State, Maleeha Lodhi highlights five structural weaknesses: the imbalance between elected and unelected institutions; a feudal political culture fostering patronage; an oligarchic elite reliant on external aid but averse to taxation; the use of geography as a security lever; and ideological divisions over Islam's role in state and society, coupled with appeasement of extremists.

Adding to this, Hussain Haqqani argues that Pakistan's overemphasis on national security and ideology has weakened democracy and governance. The persistent tussle between civilian and non-civilian power centres has fragmented authority, while ethnic and provincial differences further strain cohesion. Religious organisations, often well-funded and armed, have been able to challenge state writ — visible in their occupation of public spaces, such as unauthorised structures in Islamabad. Such impunity erodes the legitimacy of governance and emboldens non-state actors.

To dismantle terrorism's roots, Pakistan must first mend its governance fabric. This requires not just administrative reform but a broader political renewal. Good governance demands adherence to constitutionalism, the rule of law and institutional integrity. Decision-making must be inclusive and transparent, with mechanisms that promote accountability and efficiency. A merit-based, depoliticised civil service is essential to translating political will into effective policy.

Economic revival is equally vital. Expanding the tax base, improving fiscal management and curbing population growth through education and family planning are fundamental. Women's education and workforce participation can transform social and economic outcomes. Law and order, the backbone of governance, must be restored through police reform, local empowerment and credible justice delivery. Public institutions must earn trust by demonstrating fairness and responsiveness.

Moreover, Pakistan's integration into the global economic and political order requires a shift from a security-dominated worldview to a development-oriented one. Reassessing foreign policy alignments, promoting regional trade and strengthening democratic institutions are essential for long-term stability. Ultimately, terrorism thrives where governance fails. The path to peace and security lies not only through counterterrorism operations but through strengthening institutions, delivering justice and fostering inclusive governance. Only when the state upholds equity, rule of law and public trust can it truly defeat the ideology of terror and ensure lasting stability.