Global Terrorism Trends: A Shifting Landscape in 2026
The Institute for Economics and Peace recently released the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, analyzing data from 163 countries. The index, built upon the Global Terrorism Database from the University of Maryland, reveals a complex picture of evolving terrorist threats and regional shifts.
A Decline in Overall Terrorism – But a Looming Reversal?
Globally, fatalities from terrorist attacks have reached their lowest level in a decade, decreasing by 28% to 5,582 deaths. Attacks themselves have also fallen, dropping 22% to 2,944 – the lowest number since 2007. This positive trend is particularly noticeable in the Middle East and North Africa, where the impact of terrorism saw a 15% improvement in scores compared to 2024. Remarkably, no country in the region experienced a worsening score over the past year.
The number of terrorist incidents in the Middle East and North Africa decreased significantly, falling 56% from 646 in 2024 to 286 in 2025. Deaths in the same region plummeted by 81%, from 1,064 to 205.
Regional Hotspots and Emerging Threats
Despite the global decline, certain regions remain deeply affected. Six of the ten countries most impacted by terrorism are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, now considered the global epicenter of terrorist activity. Within this region, ISIS and its affiliates are responsible for nearly 17% of all attacks worldwide.
The 2026 Index identifies Pakistan as the country most impacted by terrorism, followed by Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Syria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Algeria ranks 47th globally and is the most affected country in North Africa, followed by Tunisia (50th) and Libya (59th). Morocco and Mauritania share the 100th position, categorized as having “no impact” alongside other countries largely unaffected by terrorist activities.
A Concerning Rise in Western Nations
Whereas global numbers are down, a disturbing trend is emerging in Western countries. Deaths linked to terrorism in these nations have surged by 280%, reaching 57 cases in 2025. This increase is primarily attributed to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and politically motivated terrorism.
Factors Threatening Future Progress
The report cautions that the current positive trend may not be sustainable. Several converging negative factors threaten to reverse the gains made in 2025. These include escalating conflicts in Iran and South Asia, deteriorating economic conditions in the West, and the increasing employ of drone technology by terrorist groups.
Understanding the Evolving Tactics
The increasing accessibility and use of drone technology by terrorist organizations is a significant concern. This allows for more sophisticated attacks and potentially bypasses traditional security measures. The report highlights the require for international cooperation to address this evolving threat.
Did you know?
Morocco is currently ranked among countries with “no impact” from terrorism, according to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index.
FAQ: Global Terrorism in 2026
Q: What is the Global Terrorism Index?
A: It’s a comprehensive report that ranks 163 countries based on the impact of terrorism, considering incidents, deaths, injuries, and property damage.
Q: Which region is currently the global epicenter of terrorism?
A: Sub-Saharan Africa.
Q: Has terrorism increased or decreased overall in 2025?
A: terrorism has decreased globally, with fewer attacks and fatalities than in previous years.
Q: What is driving the increase in terrorist activity in Western countries?
A: Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and politically motivated terrorism are the primary drivers.
Stay Informed
The global terrorism landscape is constantly evolving. For more in-depth analysis and updates, explore the full Global Terrorism Index 2026 report. Share your thoughts on these trends in the comments below!
