Global Terrorism at Decade Low Yet Western Fatalities Rise

According to the Institute for Economics & Peace's Global Terrorism Index, global terrorism deaths fell by 28% in 2025, reaching the lowest level since 2007. However, fatalities in Western countries surged by 280%, attributed mainly to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and political terrorism. Emerging conflicts, such as in Iran, and declining economic conditions are expected to influence future trends in global terrorism.

Despite a global decline, Pakistan emerged as the most terror-affected nation, driven by factors like the Taliban's return in Afghanistan. Sub-Saharan Africa remains severely impacted, with six of the ten most affected countries in this region. The region's instability stems from weak governance and economic factors compelling youth to join terrorist groups.

The report highlights the rising threat of lone-wolf attacks in the West, fueled by youth radicalisation and online platforms, accounting for 93% of fatal attacks. As Western and global threats evolve, the report emphasizes the risk of eroding recent gains made against terrorism.