Long-term effects of terror attack- Be wary of the hidden costs that terror attacks end up extracting

Source: The post on long-term effects of terror attack has been created on the article “Be wary of the hidden costs that terror attacks end up extracting” published in “Live mints” on 28th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Security- terrorism

News: The article reflects on the 15-year anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It examines long-term effects of terror attack (like 26/11 or the 9/11 attacks in the US, or 7/7 in London) such as economic burdens due to heightened security, inefficiencies in security practices, and the psychological impact on society. It advocates for a reassessment of these security measures.

What are the long-term impacts of terror attacks?

Economic Drain on Governments: Post-attack, governments spend heavily on security, diverting funds from other vital areas like healthcare. This results in a significant shift from productive investments.

Inefficient security expenses: Equipment like baggage scanners, metal detectors, and additional personnel lead to high operational costs. These are necessary but often inefficient responses to terror threats.

Indirect Economic Impacts: Terror attacks result in higher insurance premiums, lower tourism, and reduced investor confidence.

Societal and Psychological Effects: The pervasive security measures and constant vigilance create a psychological impact on society, contributing to a sense of fear and impacting daily life.

What should be done?

Allocate Resources Wisely: The diversion of substantial funds to security measures should be balanced. This means ensuring that essential sectors like healthcare are not neglected.

Innovate and Adapt: Embrace new technologies and strategies that enhance security efficiently. This involves moving away from traditional, less effective methods to more sophisticated, data-driven approaches.

Critical Reevaluation of Security Measures: It’s essential to assess the effectiveness of security protocols in place, moving away from ritualistic practices like routine vehicle checks at hotels, which may not significantly enhance security.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the economic repercussions of terror attacks, and their overall impact on governments and society.