Does Food Insecurity Lead to Terrorism: An Economic Perspective of South Asian Countries

Abstract

This research work examines the nexus between food insecurity and terrorism in South Asian countries, where both issues remain persistent challenges. Utilizing secondary data from the World Development Indicators (WDI), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) for the period 2015-2021, we employ a generalized least squares econometric technique to analyze the interplay between food insecurity and terrorism. Our findings show that there is a clear and significant link between food insecurity and the occurrence of terrorism, suggesting that as food insecurity intensifies, the likelihood of terrorist activities escalates. The results also show that there is a link between higher GDP per person and an increase in terrorism, implying that increased economic activity may elevate the visibility and attractiveness of potential targets for terrorist attacks. This counterintuitive finding highlights the necessity for nuanced economic policies that address underlying grievances and inequalities, which may persist despite overall economic growth. Moreover, the study finds that political stability strongly reduces terrorism, emphasizing the critical role of stable political environments in reducing the incentives and opportunities for terrorist activities. Additionally, the inverse relationship between the literacy rate and terrorism suggests that higher literacy levels reduce the likelihood of terrorist incidents in subsequent periods. Based on these findings, this research work suggests policies aimed at addressing food insecurity, fostering political stability, and improving education as essential strategies for mitigating terrorism in the region.