Violence war and terrorism research paper

Arguably, conflicts always exist in our societies. Nevertheless, different ways are used to depict or rather exhibit existence of a conflict. Three of such ways are some degree of violence, terrorism, and to the extreme eruption of war between the conflicting parties. Violence can be defined as the substantial force that is put forth with the intention of abusing, damaging or violating. It can also be defined as abusive use of power. Terrorism is application of threats and violence to intimidate or bully purposely for political interests. On the other hand, war can be said to be the struggle between conflicting forces for a particular end. The objective of this essay is to analyze the positive and negative impacts of violence, terrorism and war.

Positive Effects

In most cases, we tend to concentrate on the negative impacts of violence, terrorism and war and overlook the positive impacts. The first significant of violence and war is creation of jobs and source of income for a good number of people, (Dipak, 2008, pp. 91-95). Consider a scenario of the war and violence in Iraq. When a country goes to war, resources such as ammunition, guns, food, vehicles, as well as supplies are required. Although risky, the war in Iraq provided jobs for both American soldiers and a good number of the youths in Iraq. It acts a source of income for those who supplies resources that are needed in the war. Therefore, to some degree war and violence acts as a source of income and employment to a certain group of people; though it is a risky strategy.
The other significant positive effect of war, violence, and terrorism is experienced at the end of the conflict, (Mackinnon, 2000. pp. 429-31). Using Iraq as an example, significant changes have been observed since the end of the war. Favorable environment for the growth of the economy has been created since the end of the war, hence the observed improvement of the economy in Iraq. Peace is very fundamental for economical activities. All sector of the economy in Iraq have improved significantly since the new government took over. Moreover, to some degree, the welfare of people of Iraq has improved, which could not be the case if the conflict was not put to an end through fighting. Lastly, the third positive effect of violence, terrorism and war is development of new abilities and strengths. Most people assert that violence leads to group as well as individual growth. Studies, indicate that following the 9/11 attacks, most people expressed characteristics of strength such as faith, love, leadership, and teamwork.

Negative Effects

Generally, the negative effects of violence, war, and terrorism overshadow the positive effects. To begin with are the deaths that have been attributed to violence, war and terrorism. Take an example of the war in Iraq. Most of both the American and Iraq’s soldiers who went to war never went back home. Additionally, most civilians died within the course of the war. Another illustration is the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Most innocent people lost their lives and for those who were lucky to survive are yet to recover from the experience they underwent. Moreover, the welfare of most families more especially those who lost members who were breadwinners in the family, has been greatly affected, (Dipak, 2008, pp. 87-89).
Another negative impact of violence, war and terrorism is the destruction of the economy. The resources which could otherwise be employed in other constructive investments are diverted to finance the war. In the long run, the interest rates will be raised so as to recover the funds spent on war, (Mackinnon, 2000. pp. 420- 24). Unquestionably, there will unfavorable conditions for investments; thus, both local and international investors will pull out their resources from the economy to invest in other economies where there is political stability. Besides, war leads to destruction of infrastructures which are very vital for the growth of the economy. Moreover, instead of concentrating on economic activities, people will concentrate on war leading to a decline in economic growth.
Finally, it should be noted that although violence, war and terrorism has negative effects, it can also lead to positive impacts at the end of it. Such positive impacts include improvement of welfare of the people, beginning of growing economy, as well as creation of a better society.

Works Cited

Dipak, K. G. Understanding Terrorism and Political Violence. New York: Routledge, 2008.
Mackinnon, B. Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues, 7th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2000.