Eye On Growing ‘Arc of Violence’

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations; GS3/Security

Context

• The current state of global violence, the role of international institutions, and the evolving nature of threats with the complexities of modern warfare and terrorism across various regions, posing significant challenges to global peace and security.

Understanding the Arc of Violence

• The phrase ‘arc of violence’ suggests that violence is not a singular or isolated event but rather a continuous and expanding trajectory. It encompasses:
  • Communal and Religious Violence: Tensions between religious groups, often fueled by political propaganda or historical grievances, have led to numerous violent outbreaks.
    • India, in particular, has witnessed communal riots that have caused loss of life, destruction of property, and deepened social divisions.
  • Political and Electoral Violence: In many democracies, political violence has become a significant issue, with opposition members, activists, and journalists being targeted for their views.
    • Hate speeches, intimidation, and attacks on political rallies are all part of this growing problem.
  • State-Sanctioned Violence: There has been an alarming rise in excessive force used by law enforcement agencies, including police brutality, encounters, and suppression of dissent.
    • It is often justified in the name of maintaining law and order but, in many cases, violates human rights.
  • Hate Crimes and Vigilantism: The rise of mob lynchings, moral policing, and targeted violence against marginalized communities is another distressing aspect of this trend.
    • Social media platforms, instead of curbing these crimes, often serve as breeding grounds for hate speech and radicalization.

Key Reasons for the Growing Arc of Violence

• Political Instability: It is a major driver of violence, as conflicts often arise from power struggles, weak governance, and the absence of effective institutions.
  • Countries experiencing political turmoil are more susceptible to violence, as rival factions vie for control and resources.
• Economic Disparities & Poverty: These can fuel violence, as marginalized communities seek to address their grievances through violent means.
  • Lack of access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare can lead to social unrest and conflict.
• Social Tensions: These include ethnic, religious, and cultural differences, which can escalate into violence when not managed effectively.
  • Discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion of certain groups can create a fertile ground for conflict and violence.
• Role of the Media: The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of violence. Sensationalism, biased reporting, and the spread of misinformation contribute to the perpetuation of violence rather than its prevention.
• Political Rhetoric: It plays a major role in normalizing aggression, as divisive speeches and inflammatory statements by leaders create an environment where violence is not only justified but sometimes even celebrated.
• Environmental Degradation & Climate Change: These can also contribute to violence, as competition for scarce resources intensifies.
  • Natural disasters, displacement, and food insecurity can exacerbate existing tensions and lead to conflict.

Key Instances of Growing Arc of Violence

• Unstable World Order: The post-1945 world order, established to maintain peace and prevent conflicts, is showing signs of breakdown.
  • The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), once seen as pillars of global governance, are struggling to address the escalating violence.
• Ongoing Conflicts in West Asia: The war in Gaza and Lebanon has given a false impression of peace in the region. Subterranean activities are increasing, indicating that lasting peace is unlikely.
  • The region continues to be a hotbed of violence, with various factions vying for control.
• Extremist Violence and Global Implications: The rise of extremist ideologies, both right-wing and Islamist, has added layers of complexity to global security.
  • Countries worldwide are grappling with the challenges posed by these ideologies, which often transcend national borders and manifest in various forms of violence 
  • Increasing attacks on military facilities and transport have also been reported in Pakistan, while isolated attacks have taken place in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
• Resurgence of Islamist Terrorism: The radicalization of individuals online has led to the emergence of decentralized terrorist groups that are harder to track and counter.
  • These groups are using modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to spread extremist ideologies and recruit new members. The weakening of major terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS has not eliminated the threat; rather, it has forced these groups to adapt and evolve.

Impact on India

• India, with its diverse and complex socio-political landscape, has not been immune to the arc of violence. It has faced its share of internal conflicts, communal violence, and terrorism. 
• However, recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a decline in riot-related incidents, indicating that India is at its most peaceful in 50 years.
• It can be attributed to various factors, including improved law enforcement, community engagement, and socio-economic development.

Addressing the Challenge

• Strengthening Law Enforcement: Authorities must take a neutral and firm stance against perpetrators of violence, ensuring accountability regardless of political or religious affiliations.
  • To protect religious freedom and address communal violence, India needs to take strong action against religious violence and uphold the rule of law.
  • There is a need for global cooperation to combat this evolving threat. It stresses the importance of adapting counter-terrorism strategies to address the digital spread of extremist ideologies.
• Media Responsibility: Journalists and media houses must adopt ethical reporting practices and avoid spreading misinformation or sensationalizing conflicts.
• Political Accountability: Political parties must refrain from using divisive rhetoric and instead promote peace and dialogue among communities.
• Public Awareness and Community Initiatives: Civil society must actively engage in peace-building efforts, including educational programs, interfaith dialogues, and grassroots movements to counter violence.

Key Initiatives

• United Nations Initiatives: The UN has recognized the transformation in the nature of conflict and violence since its founding.
  • The focus is now on conflicts waged between non-state actors, organized crime, and urban violence.
  • The UN emphasizes the need for international cooperation and investment in peacebuilding to address these challenges.
• Investment in Prevention and Peacebuilding: It includes fostering a culture of peace, supporting national voluntary peacebuilding efforts, and ensuring coherence in prevention and peacebuilding measures.
• Breaking the Cycle of Violence: The UN advocates for prevention and peacebuilding to break the cycle of violence and promote sustainable development.
  • It involves addressing the root causes of violence, promoting inclusive governance, and investing in sustainable development.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• Violence does not emerge in a vacuum; it is often the result of deep-seated prejudices, political manipulations, and systemic failures. 
• The growing arc of violence across the globe underscores the need for robust international cooperation and adaptive security measures. Keeping a watch on this growing arc of violence requires a collective effort from the government, media, civil society, and individuals.
• The principles of generosity, proper conduct, renunciation, wisdom, energy, tolerance, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, and equanimity (Buddhism’s Teachings) are essential for fostering a peaceful, harmonious world and are the answer to the growing arc of violence.

Source: TH