Publication Date

Spring 5-8-2022

Document Type

Other

First Advisor

Wilcox, Virginia

Degree Name

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

Department

Department of Economics

Abstract

The 21st century saw a dramatic focus on terrorism after the events of September 11, 2001. The search for an explanation for the causes of terrorism have led economists to turn to the role of GDP on terrorism. This research aims to search for a pattern in the relationship between GDP per-capita and acts of terrorism. Previous research has pointed towards both a positive and negative trend. The stark different findings in previous research attests to the various ways terrorism is measured and analyzed. Encapsulating the previous research, this research merges the two theories and aims to show there is an inverse parabolic curve between terrorism and GDP per-capita. At low-income levels, people feel a perceived need to lash out with violence towards symbolic political targets. At high-income levels, people have easier access to the tools required to organize acts of terrorism. Research into the causes of terrorism contributes to its elimination and should be used to prevent violence. Using three separate regressions with the data from the Global Terrorism Index, the World Bank, and the General Education Index for 49 countries. Each regression attempts to find a stronger relationship between GDP per-capita and the Global Terrorism Index. This research finds a significant, negative relationship between the general education index and the global terrorism index.

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