“In-Depth Climate-Terrorism Nexus in Pakistan: A Case Study of Federally Administered Tribal Areas”

Abstract

Drawing upon the case study from Khyber District (former Khyber Agency), this study presents the potential link between climate change and terrorism i.e. how the detrimental impacts of climate change, along with the other vulnerabilities existing in the region, can induce societal conflicts and terrorism. Conceptually, the starting point of this research is the adverse consequences of climate change that impact natural resources in particular, such as water scarcity, floods and droughts; these trigger social upheaval and ultimately create instability and spaces for terrorist activities to occur. This study also highlights the adverse impacts of climate change on the livelihood of individuals and how such vulnerabilities at the individual’s end make recruitment easy by terrorist groups for their purpose by providing them livelihood incentives or any other form of violent threats. This study is based on drawing the empirical evidence by conducting 14 in-depth interviews and one Focus Group Discussion (7 members), to do the indepth analysis. Furthermore, the collected data were analysed thematically, based on the themes extracted from the research questions. After analysing, this study attempted to explore the positive climate fragile-terrorism nexus vis-à-vis human security and societal conflicts. Showcasing the lack of large-scale governmental interventions both during and somewhat after the terrorism activites/incidents; this research highlights the vulnerability of masses towards the reactive policies of non-state agents’ groups. Based on the findings, this research offers bottomup implications for policy consideration, regarding the lessening influence of terrorism in climate- fragile areas for the future by providing sustainable livelihood incentives and technological opportunities.