---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Terrorism can go anywhere where there is…"
description: "\"Terrorism can go anywhere where there is not strong government, or government that cannot control its hinterlands.\" — Robert D. Kaplan"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d44/robert-d-kaplan-12644_government_terrorism-can-go-anywhere-where-there-is_2662047.png"
---

#  Terrorism can go anywhere where there is not strong…

![“Terrorism can go anywhere where there is not strong government, or government that cannot control its hinterlands.” quote by Robert D. Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d44/robert-d-kaplan-12644_government_terrorism-can-go-anywhere-where-there-is_2662047.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d44/robert-d-kaplan-12644_government_terrorism-can-go-anywhere-where-there-is_2662047.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d44/robert-d-kaplan-12644_government_terrorism-can-go-anywhere-where-there-is_2662047.png)

> “Terrorism can go anywhere where there is not strong government, or government that cannot control its hinterlands.”

[Robert D. Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-d-kaplan/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Weak or absent state control allows terrorism to thrive in ungoverned spaces.

**In simple terms:** Terrorism thrives where governments are weak.

Key Takeaway

Strengthen governance to deter extremism.

Themes

security politics terrorism

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

explanatory strategic

When to use this quote

- counterterrorism strategy
- foreign aid
- border security

Key Concepts

state capacity geopolitics

Questions to Reflect On

- What makes a state vulnerable?
- How can local resilience be built?

A Different Perspective

Not all weak states become terror havens.

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