New Delhi, Jan. 27 -- Non-state actors who while not affiliated with, directed by, or funded through any sovereign government, often exercising significant political influence and territorial control, are increasingly calling the shots in world affairs much to the detriment of peace, progress, and development.

Terror is creating extreme fear in the face of violence. Terror is also an instrument of the weak to fight, in an unorganized manner in the face of profound grievance perceived or real. Using terror to instill fear is an age-old tactic. However, only in recent times has terrorism been recognized as the unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence directed primarily at civilian targets, or which produces primarily civilian ca...