Is the economic crash and resulting unemployment a bigger threat than Islamic Terrorism? (radical, revolution)

[spring greenery]

I understand that Homeland Security and the CIA are more concerned about the social and economic effects of the terrible economy than Islamic Terrorism. They think that as unemployment all over the world continues to growth that this will create civil unrest with a huge increase in crime and disorder. They say it has a higher risk to world stability than Islamic Terrorism. Do you agree?

[ovcatto]

Originally Posted by spring greenery

I understand that Homeland Security and the CIA are more concerned about the social and economic effects of the terrible economy than Islamic Terrorism. They think that as unemployment all over the world continues to growth that this will create civil unrest with a huge increase in crime and disorder. They say it has a higher risk to world stability than Islamic Terrorism. Do you agree?

Crime and disorder are the least of your problems. Periods of economic distress have more often than not been a harbinger of radical social transformation, whether it was the finacial crisis of 1776 that eventually led to the overthrow of the French monarchy or the Great Depression which resulted in the rise of marxism and fascism, and a second world war. Of course all of this is lost on the, let the markets correct themselves school of governance.

But I digress.

To answer the question, yes, economic collapse is a far graver risks to nations than Islamic terrorist. How does one compare the collapse of social orders to a few bombings and acts of terrorism regardless of how horrific the localized cost.

[Marty McFly Jr]

after I've experienced the fright of a terrorist attack, I think there is really nothing worse. economy will fix itself.

[Grainraiser]

Yes, Yes and Hell Yes!

[nightbird47]

Originally Posted by ovcatto

Crime and disorder are the least of your problems. Periods of economic distress have more often than not been a harbinger of radical social transformation, whether it was the finacial crisis of 1776 that eventually led to the overthrow of the French monarchy or the Great Depression which resulted in the rise of marxism and fascism, and a second world war. Of course all of this is lost on the, let the markets correct themselves school of governance.

But I digress.

To answer the question, yes, economic collapse is a far graver risks to nations than Islamic terrorist. How does one compare the collapse of social orders to a few bombings and acts of terrorism regardless of how horrific the localized cost.

Very important point. When massive numbers of people suffer not only do they become desperate enought to do what needs to be done regardless of if they would have before, but the mob psychology kicks in. Re Hitler. And even more the French Revolution. The blood stained streets and people were acting on the psychology of the mob. We have plenty of people who would have no difficulty falling into that.

And remember that terrorism and bombings do not have to be external. When you can blame a guy half way across the world its one thing, but when its someone out there who could be readying the next bomb and nobody will tell its quite different. No reason to think that this would not be a part.

[ovcatto]

Originally Posted by Marty McFly Jr

after I've experienced the fright of a terrorist attack, I think there is really nothing worse. economy will fix itself.

Well until you've lived through an economic collapse on the scale of the Panic of 1873, or the Great Depression, you argument doesn't hold much weight. To make an analogy; You have experienced the fright of a tornado so you don't fear hurricanes, not realizing that hurricanes also spawn tornados.

[irspow]

I voted on economic trouble being more dangerous. I wonder why all of the "militia movements" are so creepily quiet during all of this

[ovcatto]

Originally Posted by nightbird47

And remember that terrorism and bombings do not have to be external. When you can blame a guy half way across the world its one thing, but when its someone out there who could be readying the next bomb and nobody will tell its quite different. No reason to think that this would not be a part.

Precisely.

[Future Trooper]

I believe the economic crash is more important than Islamic Terrorism