PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF TERRORISM THREAT TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: CASE STUDY OF AFGHANISTAN

Abstract

The phenomenon of terrorism remains one of the most pressing threats to international security, particularly in regions like Afghanistan, where socio-political instability has created a breeding ground for extremist ideologies. This study explores the psychological and biological aspects underpinning terrorism, analyzing their implications for global security dynamics. The psychological dimension focuses on the cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural factors that drive individuals or groups toward radicalization and violent extremism. Key elements include identity crises, perceived injustice, trauma, and indoctrination, all of which contribute to the recruitment and mobilization of terrorist actors. Biological factors, often less examined in traditional counterterrorism studies, are equally significant. They include genetic predispositions to aggression, neurobiological responses to stress, and the influence of substance abuse on violent behaviors. Additionally, the weaponization of biological agents, such as pathogens, represents an emerging threat that could amplify the impact of terrorist activities. In the context of Afghanistan, the interplay of these psychological and biological factors is exacerbated by decades of conflict, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare. This study employs Afghanistan as a case study to illustrate how these elements manifest within a complex socio-political and historical framework. The research highlights the role of terrorist organizations in exploiting psychological vulnerabilities and biological factors to perpetuate cycles of violence. It also evaluates the effectiveness of international counterterrorism strategies in addressing these underlying causes. By integrating psychological and biological perspectives, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of terrorism's multifaceted nature and proposes holistic approaches to mitigating its impact. These include enhancing mental health support in conflict zones, countering extremist propaganda, and strengthening global biological security frameworks.

Keywords: Terrorism, Psychological Aspects, Biological Aspects, International Security, Radicalization, Afghanistan, Extremism, Biological Weapons, Counterterrorism Strategies, Global Security