"Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades." Analyze the above statements.

The definition of terrorism has been elusive because of varying interpretations. Terrorist for one, activist for the other. Terrorism has been broadly classified as the use of violence (especially against civilians) for attaining political,  religious, ethnic and ideological goals.  Terrorism has emerged as a competitive industry over the last few decades because of various conducive factors. 

Communication revolution aided by internet, complex and robust funding networks, territorial expansion, state support, strengthened​ recruitment and propaganda network  have been instrumental in this development. 

Terrorist organizations such as Islamic State, Taliban and Al Qaeda have come to control and administer vast swathes of territory. This has been mainly aided by sectarian tensions and lack of functional legitimate government in these regions. 

The control of land has enabled them to flourish by utilizing the vast resources at their disposal. Also, external support by state and non- state actors has provided funds and weapons to them. Internet and mass media has enabled them to recruit and spread their ideology globally.

Complicated funding through hawalas and organised crime networks have made it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track and restrict fund flow. Unemployment, poverty and illiteracy have also pushed people to join such organisations for their livelihoods. Ambitious leadership has resulted in the proliferation of splinter groups. These groups compete  with one another for publicity, innovation and ruthlessness  in attacks. Thus the last few decades has witnessed the proliferation of terrorism due to these supporting factors.