Which decades marked the emergence of the modern era of international terrorism as a significant security challenge?

The emergence of the modern era of international terrorism is closely associated with the events and developments that took place during the 1960s and 1970s. This period saw a notable increase in politically motivated violence on a global scale, fueled by various factors including decolonization, the Cold War, and the rise of new ideological movements.

Significant incidents such as the hijacking of airplanes, the rise of groups like the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and attacks against diplomatic targets showcased the shift toward terrorism being used as a strategic tool for achieving political objectives. The formation of several international terrorist groups during this time, along with their media-savvy operations, began to capture worldwide attention and highlighted the challenges that these violent non-state actors presented to national and international security frameworks.

These decades are often recognized as the foundational years that set the stage for later developments in terrorism, leading into the more complex and diverse forms of terrorist activity that would emerge in subsequent decades. Thus, the 1960s and 1970s are pivotal in understanding the trajectory of international terrorism as a significant security concern.