In his speech on terrorism and unemployment, Mohamed Ali outlines the core concepts that drive the vulnerability and exposure of the youth to extremist groups. According to Ali, many youths may find themselves in a type of ‘waiting period’ during their youth in which they are unable to become employed and are largely disenchanted with the format of modern society (Ali, 2013). As a result, they may become susceptible to influence by many groups, some of which are often prone to violence, terrorism, and illegal activities (Adelaja & George, 2020). As such, the connection between unemployment and terrorism can be seen in the period during which young people are unable to come to self-sufficiency, self-realization, and growth. They are often found lacking resources and guidance, which they may find among extremist groups. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable individuals of the demographic are often manipulated and utilized by terrorist groups to partake in illegal and violent activities during this period in their life.
Ali suggests that addressing the needs of these youth groups during such ‘wait periods’ can reduce the frequency of terrorist acts. Currently, there may be a lack of job positions in already existing infrastructures, and they may also be inefficient in improving self-growth. As such, entrepreneurship is a valid alternative to employing the youth and providing them with an escape from the insecurity of unemployment (Bren et al., 2019). Newly emerging businesses do not only provide benefits to the individuals running them but may also contribute to benefits to local communities and the growth of smaller sectors of a country’s economy. As such, a more novel approach to unemployment that considers the needs of a disenchanted and marginalized youth is vital to reducing the draw towards extremist groups and terrorist activities.
References
Adelaja, A., & George, J. (2020). Is youth unemployment related to domestic terrorism? Perspectives on Terrorism, 14(5), 41-62. Web.
Ali, M. (2013). The link between unemployment and terrorism [Video]. TED Conferences. Web.
Bren, J., Zeman, T., & Urban, R. (2019). Link between terrorism and social, economic, and security-political factors. Disaster Management and Human Health Risk, 6(1), 179-190.