How can harsh military responses to terrorism create a cycle of violence and support for extremists?

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Madrid train bombings of 2004 — terrorism Rescue workers evacuating the bodies of victims of a terrorist train bombing near Atocha Station, Madrid, March 11, 2004.

Harsh military responses to terrorism can inadvertently fuel a cycle of violence by undermining the legitimacy of the state and driving moderate populations toward extremist causes. When military, paramilitary, or police forces engage in repressive tactics or abuses under the guise of counterterrorism, they often alienate the very communities they aim to protect.1

This dynamic creates a self-defeating cycle:
* Loss of Public Support: Excessive military reprisals often cause significant collateral harm, which can lead the general populace to view the state’s actions as illegitimate.1
* Sympathy for Extremists: As state repression increases, moderates may begin to sympathize with extremist groups, viewing them as a form of resistance against state-sponsored violence.1
* Normalization of Violence: When the state employs "no holds barred" tactics, it can create an environment where the public turns a blind eye to the murderous attacks committed by terrorists, as the conflict is perceived as a struggle of "justifiable retaliation".1

Ultimately, the use of excessive force can act as a recruitment tool for insurgents, as the stigma of state-led repression often outweighs the intended deterrent effect of the military action.1