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While terrorism is universally condemned and rightly so, an often overlooked but no less important fact is that it offers some positive outcomes for people and nations in times of danger or crisis. Despite the obvious terror and destruction that terrorism causes, there are concrete benefits to being aware of and prepared for terrorist activity.

To begin, terrorism can be an effective tool of forcing people to face facts and realities that they would otherwise ignore or be unwilling to discuss. Through threats of violence or destruction, terrorists can rouse public opinion and pressure governments to take necessary action. Consider the violence of the civil rights movement in the United States, for example. Through civil disobedience, peaceful protests, and other non-violent tactics, the civil rights movement effectively changed policies and laws that normalized and protected racial segregation.

Furthermore, terrorism is often an effective tool of raising public awareness and mobilizing the public. In the wake of a terrorist attack, widespread fear and panic can easily spread, leading to more people being aware and prepared for similar threats. In some cases, terrorist attacks have even offered a unique opportunity for cooperation between rival political, religious, or ideological groups. An example of this is the developing rapport between Sunni and Shia Muslims in response to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

Finally, terrorism can be used to fuel change and incite public debates on controversial topics. It can be an effective way of voicing out grievances and presenting a different perspective on an issue. A notable example of this is the mass protests in the Middle East in 2011 that were marked by the fiery rhetoric of terrorists and their supporters. The protests were able to spark a public dialog on the state of governance in the region and also provided a platform for people to discuss how to shape a better future.

Overall, terrorism is an abhorrent act and should never be condoned or encouraged. However, it cannot be denied that there are some positive benefits to being cognizant of and prepared for terrorist threats. By being aware of these potential advantages, individuals and nations can better protect themselves from the threat of terror and remain resilient in times of danger and crisis.