Are religious beliefs truly the root cause of terrorism?

Abstract

This article explores religion as a cause for terrorism, looking at different causes for terrorism and discussions into the harms associated with popular conceptions of associating religion with terrorism. The results of this research demonstrate that there are multiple causes for terrorism, which are not associated with religion, despite “intelligence-led policing” methods pertaining to religious and racial profiling. Theocracies and democracies have both abused human rights, demonstrating that states will ultimately prioritize their interests at the expense of the rights and freedoms of civilians, including the right to life.