In a speech at the 9th Estoril Conference in Portugal, Tawakkol Karman emphasized that tyranny is the greatest threat to global peace and security.

She pointed out that authoritarian regimes violate fundamental human rights, suppress freedoms, and deny justice, leading to widespread suffering that fuels discontent and conflict. “When people are denied their fundamental rights, some resort to violence as a means of resistance,” she stated, highlighting how such violence can escalate into civil wars and regional instability.

Karman noted that the consequences of tyranny extend beyond national borders, creating tensions and conflicts with neighboring countries and contributing to global instability. The oppressive conditions under dictatorships often force millions to flee, resulting in refugee crises that strain host nations and can incite xenophobia and political unrest.

Calling terrorism the "spoiled child of tyranny," Karman added that authoritarian regimes not only breed terrorism but also exploit it to maintain power. She pointed out that these regimes manipulate the threat of terrorism to justify their oppressive rule, positioning themselves as the only alternative to chaos. “Terrorism thrives in environments where there is no peaceful path to change,” she remarked, citing poverty, inequality, and ignorance as fertile ground for extremist ideologies.

Karman also highlighted the alarming rise of right-wing terrorism, which she described as an increasing threat fueled by white supremacy, xenophobia, and hatred of minority groups. This form of extremism threatens democratic institutions and social cohesion, as evidenced by events like the storming of the U.S. Capitol in 2021. She urged the international community to confront this menace with the same determination applied to other forms of terrorism.

Additionally, Karman addressed the issue of state terrorism, where governments use terror tactics to suppress dissent and maintain power. She cited the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria and its horrific acts against civilians, as well as the involvement of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in exacerbating conflicts in Yemen and Sudan. “These actions constitute acts of state terrorism,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Karman also pointed to poverty and climate change as significant factors leading to conflict. She referred that climate change acts as a catalyst for wars and instability, particularly in vulnerable regions where resources become scarce. “We see this across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America,” she said, noting that climate-related issues have led to displacement and violence.

To combat these pressing issues, Karman called for a global commitment to empower those fighting for freedom, justice, and democracy. “We must confront terrorism in all its forms and address the dictators who perpetuate it,” she urged. She emphasized the importance of supporting moderate voices advocating for religious reforms that reject extremist interpretations.

Karman also addressed the need to combat xenophobia, urging governments to foster inclusion and embrace diversity. “Refugees and immigrants should be welcomed as valuable contributors to society,” she stated, calling for accountability for politicians who exploit these groups for political gain.

She concluded with a call to action for governments and institutions to adopt policies promoting equality and inclusion, while also advocating for educational reforms that teach tolerance and empathy. 

“The rise of right-wing extremism is a direct threat to democracy and coexistence,” Karman warned, stressing the need for a concerted effort to confront it.

In closing, Karman urged the international community to shift focus from militarization to sustainable development, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with governments to foster a more just and peaceful world.

Here is the complete text of the speech: 

Thank you. I am deeply grateful for the invitation to be part of this important conference in Portugal, a nation that has witnessed profound change and become a beacon of resistance against tyranny. Portugal's Carnation Revolution stands as a testament to the power of people to rise up and reclaim their future, to overthrow dictatorship without violence, and to rebuild a nation on the foundations of freedom, democracy, and justice.

Portugal reminds us that no matter how entrenched or oppressive a system may seem, change is possible. 

We will talk about how we rethink our present to create a better future.

The title I was asked to speak on is "How to Fight Tyranny, Wars, and Terrorism." As I reflected on this, I realized that we must first reframe the discussion. Wars and terrorism do not arise in a vacuum; they are the inevitable consequences of injustice, poverty, greed, corruption, ignorance, and a lack of accountability. At the heart of these problems is tyranny—the foundation upon which wars and terrorism are built. If we are serious about achieving lasting peace, this is where we must begin.

Tyranny, in its essence, is the greatest threat to global peace and security. Authoritarian regimes violate basic human rights, suppress freedoms, and deny justice. This oppression causes widespread suffering, which in turn fuels discontent, rebellion, and ultimately, conflict. When people are denied their fundamental rights, some resort to violence as a means of resistance. This violence can escalate into civil wars or regional conflicts, destabilizing entire areas. Tyranny’s impact doesn’t stop at the nation under the tyrant's rule—it spills over borders, creating tensions and conflicts with neighboring countries, and contributing to global instability.

When dictators create unbearable living conditions, millions are forced to flee, resulting in global refugee crises. These crises strain host countries, often leading to the rise of xenophobia and political instability.

Tyranny is the root cause of terrorism. I have always believed that terrorism is the spoiled child of tyranny. Authoritarian regimes not only create terrorism but also support and protect it, using it as a tool for their survival and control. These regimes wield terrorism as a tool of repression, punishing those who dare to fight for democracy and freedom. They manipulate the threat of terrorism to instill fear in the global community, positioning themselves as the only alternative to chaos. In doing so, they justify their brutal rule by claiming to protect against the greater threat of terrorism.

Terrorism thrives in environments where people feel there is no peaceful path to change. Poverty, inequality, and ignorance further create fertile ground for terrorism to grow, as these conditions breed hopelessness and desperation, leaving individuals vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

** Terrorism is not limited to religious extremists such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. We must also acknowledge the alarming rise of right-wing terrorism, which is becoming an increasingly dangerous threat across many parts of the world, particularly in the West. This form of terrorism is fueled by extremist ideologies rooted in white supremacy, xenophobia, nationalism, and hatred of minority groups. These ideologies seek to incite fear, sow division, and undermine democratic institutions. Right-wing terrorism is driven by hate speech, disinformation, and political polarization. It directly attacks the very foundations of democracy, as we saw in the storming of the U.S. Capitol in 2021. This threat is on the rise, and we must confront it with the same determination as any other form of terrorism.

Another often-overlooked form of terrorism is state terrorism—the use of terror tactics by governments to suppress dissent and maintain power, often through mass killings, illegal occupations, and violent repression of entire populations. Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime exemplifies this, having committed horrific acts such as chemical attacks and bombings against civilians, displacing millions with the support of Russia, which is also guilty of state terrorism. Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea and its ongoing war in Ukraine are clear examples of state terrorism that violate international law.

The United States, in its invasion of Iraq, caused mass civilian casualties and destabilized the region. Israel continues to engage in state terrorism through its occupation of Palestine, the blockade of Gaza, and war crimes in Lebanon.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has fueled the civil war in Sudan by backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group responsible for widespread atrocities. Additionally, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have practiced state terrorism in Yemen, fueling the war and supporting the fragmentation of the country. Their involvement has not only prolonged the conflict but also deepened the humanitarian crisis, tearing Yemen apart and perpetuating violence and instability.

Iran contributes to state terrorism by supporting militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi militia in Yemen, fueling coups, racism, hatred, conflict, and destabilization.

War is the inevitable result of injustice. It is also driven by poverty, climate change, and the actions of multinational corporations. Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a catalyst for wars and conflict. As resources like water, food, and arable land become scarce, competition grows, fueling wars and extremism in vulnerable regions. From the Sahel to the Middle East, climate-induced droughts and extreme weather have led to displacement, poverty, and violence. If we do not address climate change, tomorrow’s conflicts will be more frequent and destructive. Rising sea levels, wildfires, and floods are becoming our new reality. Yet, too many leaders refuse to act. If we continue prioritizing economic growth over sustainability, we will destroy the very planet we depend on.

The vast inequality between the rich and the poor creates desperation, while environmental degradation, often caused by large corporations, leads to conflicts over resources. The arms race and the unchecked development of new technologies, especially in warfare, fuel conflicts and make war more likely.

Poverty and inequality are often the root causes of wars, terrorism, and extremism. The global economic system continues to perpetuate inequality, leaving millions in poverty and creating conditions ripe for exploitation by extremist ideologies. "A world divided by wealth is a world divided by violence." While a small elite amasses unimaginable wealth, billions are left struggling for basic survival. This imbalance is not sustainable. It is not just a moral imperative to fight poverty—it is a strategic necessity to prevent future conflicts. We must prioritize fairer wealth distribution, progressive taxation, and the creation of global social safety nets. By ensuring that all people have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we can address the root causes of despair and radicalization.

The Role of Multinational Corporations: Waging Wars and Destroying the Planet

We cannot discuss global conflict and instability without addressing the role of multinational corporations. These corporations, driven by the pursuit of profit, often exploit natural resources, destroy ecosystems, and displace communities in the name of progress. Their unchecked power and influence have contributed to environmental destruction, wars, and economic inequality. In many developing nations, multinational corporations align themselves with authoritarian regimes to gain access to natural resources. They plunder wealth, leaving behind environmental devastation, polluted lands, and displaced populations. In doing so, they wage wars not with armies but with the power of capital. "Multinational corporations are the new emperors, wielding wealth to conquer lands and destroy the future." The international community must hold these corporations accountable. We must establish global regulations that protect human rights, ensure fair labor practices, fight corruption, and promote environmental sustainability.

To end tyranny, terrorism, and war, we need to start by empowering people and dismantling dictatorships. Every nation must uphold democracy, accountability, and the rule of law. Tyranny thrives where people have no voice, and the path to peace begins by giving citizens the power to shape their own destinies. Democracies must stop supporting dictatorships, prevent unjust wars, and enforce corporate responsibility. Dictators should no longer receive financial support, weapons, or legitimacy from democratic nations. Borders must remain open to refugees fleeing war and environmental disasters, and we must address the root causes of mass displacement—by stopping dictators from waging wars, occupying nations, and destroying countries.

Second, we must confront terrorism in all its forms, including the rising threat of right-wing extremism, which has become a new wave of terrorism globally. Right-wing terrorism, fueled by xenophobia, hatred, and racism, must be treated as seriously as any other form of terrorism. It thrives in societies where inequality, fear, and division are allowed to fester. To defeat it, we must actively combat the dangerous ideologies that spread through hate speech, misinformation, and violence. We must confront xenophobia by fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that refugees and migrants are not scapegoated but rather welcomed as valuable contributors to society.

Racism and hatred must be dismantled by addressing the social, political, and economic structures that perpetuate them. Governments and institutions must adopt policies that promote equality and inclusion, while educational systems must teach tolerance, empathy, and the shared humanity that binds us all. The rise of right-wing extremism is a direct threat to democracy, and it must be confronted with the same resolve as any authoritarian regime or terrorist organization.

Third, we must end the arms race and wars by shifting from militarization to sustainable development. We should stop feeding the war machines of dictators and military powers and instead invest in global education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Peace is more than the absence of war—it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and shared prosperity for all.

Furthermore, we must rethink our present to create a better future by recognizing climate change as a catalyst for conflict. Nations must unite to reduce emissions, implement sustainable development, and protect the planet for future generations. The global north, responsible for much of the world’s carbon

emissions, must lead the charge while supporting the global south, where the impacts are felt most acutely. Reforming global institutions to prioritize climate justice, accountability, and sustainability is essential if we are to prevent future conflicts and build a more equitable world.

We must prioritize fairer wealth distribution, progressive taxation, and the creation of global social safety nets. By ensuring that all people have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we can address the root causes of despair, radicalization, and extremism. The international community must also hold multinational corporations accountable through global regulations that protect human rights, ensure fair labor practices, fight corruption, and promote environmental sustainability. Corporations must end their support for dictatorships, prevent unjust wars, and stop exploiting nations and the environment.

Finally, The most important and revolutionary rethink for a better future is the deep need to establish an international system of governance that can protect human rights, ensure climate action, and guarantee the fair distribution of wealth. This would involve reforming global institutions like the United Nations and the Security Council, making them more representative and effective. We must eliminate the veto power of the P5 nations, which often shields tyrants and prevents decisive action. The world needs a system of governance that holds countries accountable, promotes justice, and fosters sustainable development for all.

 

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