Is Terrorism's Cause Poverty?

Surprisingly, No.

It seems almost intuitive to explain terrorism—especially suicide bombing--in terms of poverty and lack of education. Who but someone desperate, without more fruitful opportunities before them, would so willingly relinquish their own life?

This claim can frequently be heard by policy makers or others seeking to influence international aid and development policy in a way that will also positively affect counterterrorism efforts. Russell Ackoff, emeritus professor at the Wharton School of Business, put forth this view at a conference designed to promote private business' role in combating terrorism:

The basic problem that spurs terrorism is misdistribution of wealth within the U.S. and around the world. “Awareness of this inequality is widespread because of communications,” [Ackoff has] noted. “We don’t understand how to close the gap, and the IMF and the World Bank often make matters worse.”