Understanding Global Terrorism in 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key global trends in terrorism as of 2025, according to the GTI?

The GTI 2025 reveals a concerning reversal of nearly a decade of improvements in global terrorism. Key trends include:

• Increased Attacks: More countries are experiencing terrorist attacks, with 45 countries showing a deterioration in their GTI scores.
• Rising Fatalities: Terrorism-related fatalities have increased, largely due to intensified violence from the four deadliest terrorist groups.
• Lone Wolf Terrorism in the West: Lone wolf attacks are the dominant form of terrorism in Western countries, accounting for a substantial majority of fatal attacks.

2. How has the geographic focus of terrorism shifted in recent years, and which regions are most affected?

Terrorist activity is increasingly concentrated in conflict zones.

• Sub-Saharan Africa: This region, particularly the Sahel, now accounts for over half of all terrorism deaths, a significant increase from a decade ago.
• South Asia: While showing some improvement, South Asia continues to have the highest average impact of terrorism.
• Regional Variations: While some regions like South America have seen improvements, others like Russia and Eurasia have experienced significant deterioration.

3. What role do Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates play in global terrorism today?

IS operates as a decentralized network of affiliates, maintaining a transnational reach. 

• Key Affiliates: Major affiliates include ISWA (West Africa), ISK (Khorasan Province), and ISCAP (Central Africa Province). 
• Areas of Operation: Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo are particularly affected by IS activity. 
• Affiliate Activities: While ISWA’s activity has declined, it remains a concern in West Africa. ISK has emerged as one of the most active jihadist groups internationally, focusing on external operations. 

4. What is the significance of Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) in the Sahel region, and how is it impacting West Africa?

JNIM is a major driver of instability in the Sahel. 

• Expansion: JNIM is expanding its activities into coastal West Africa, with Togo experiencing its worst year for terrorism on record. 
• Exploiting Vulnerabilities: JNIM exploits porous borders and challenging terrain to evade counterterrorism efforts. 
• Funding: JNIM’s control over gold mines provides a lucrative source of funding. 

5. How are geopolitical shifts and foreign influence affecting terrorism trends, particularly in Africa?

Geopolitical shifts and foreign influence are significantly impacting terrorism trends. 

• Shifting Alliances: The Alliance of Sahelian States (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) has shifted away from the West, strengthening ties with Russia and China. 
• Russian and Chinese Influence: Russia is conducting influence operations and acquiring resources like gold. China is building economic and political influence.

6. How is the internet and digital communication being leveraged by terrorist groups, particularly ISK?

ISK has expanded its external operations and online presence. 

• Online Recruitment and Guidance: ISK uses the internet for recruitment, communication, and remote guidance of followers in tactics and target selection. 
• Expanding Reach: ISK’s online activities have broadened the range of nationalities involved in ISKP-related operations. 

7. What role do unmanned systems like drones play in modern warfare and terrorism?

Drones are increasingly relevant in modern warfare and terrorism. 

• Naval Drones: Ukraine’s use of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) demonstrates their potential to impact naval security and pose asymmetric threats. 
• Potential for Terrorist Use: USVs and undersea sabotage tactics may inspire new approaches for terrorist groups.

8. How is the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) calculated and what factors does it consider?

The GTI uses a comprehensive methodology to assess the impact of terrorism. 

• Factors Considered: The GTI considers the number of incidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage. 
• Weighted Average: A five-year weighted average is used to account for the lingering effects of terrorism. 

Global Terrorism Index

Published annually by the leading international think tank the Institute of Economics & Peace (IEP), the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is the most comprehensive resource on global terrorism trends and uses multiple factors to calculate its score, including the number of incidences, fatalities, injuries and hostages, and combines it with conflict and socio-economic data to provide a holistic picture of terrorism.

— Download the Global Terrorism Index 2025 Press Release
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— View the Global Terrorism Index 2025 interactive map