The Transformation of the Forms of Terrorism During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
The present study analyzes the implications of COVID-19 on the different forms of terrorism. The authors discuss the two types of terrorist acts: (i) the radicalization, recruitment, and funding of terrorism and (ii) planning the place and target of the operation. The authors argue that the COVID-19 policies have failed to inhibit or stop terrorism in Indonesia. This is supported by the four cases of terrorism that took place in the country during the COVID-19 period. Since the purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the social phenomenon, a qualitative method was adopted for collecting the data. The authors conclude that while COVID-19 did affect the financing and operation of terrorism, it helped the terrorist groups to radicalize and recruit new members due to the increasing use of the Internet, people’s insecurities during the pandemic, and the radical narrative.
Keywords: activities, COVID-19, terrorism, transformation
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