Radicalization Into Violent Extremism ✓ Solved
Radicalization into Violent Extremism
Radicalization is a major problem in the current world with its linking to Terrorism being a concern. For Radicalization, this is seen as a process through which people take up strong beliefs that justify violence while also compelling violence with little thinking of the actions that follow after this. An individual in extremism will keep progressing and advancing their belief about certain things. Radicalization focuses mostly on how these individuals think and what they think and how these thoughts come to mind while also taking consideration of their progress from thinking to violent actions.
This is why Radicalization is seen more of a process since it majorly involves looking closely at an individual change in thoughts and then how these thoughts then grow into violent actions. Therefore, Radicalization is seen as an integration of individual and societal influence. In this case, the violent actions are taken as Terrorism with most people holding radical beliefs being involved in Terrorism, but not the other way round. This article will look at how today's Radicalization relates to Terrorism, discuss some theories examined journal, and address the best ways to address the radicalization process.
How Radicalization Relates to Terrorism in the Current World
It is clear that not all people who are radical engage in Terrorism. It is also true to say that not all people who are into Terrorism hold radical opinions, with some of them even doing it without any strong extremist beliefs. Islamic beliefs have been majorly seen as a source for Radicalization due to the very strong beliefs that they hold on matters concerning politics and the global economy. When you want to get people to fight, one thing you have to ensure is convincing them that someone is against them and they will fight this person. The people fighting do it because they are protecting what is around them from many external threats.
In this case, the Islamic leadership will blame the west for all of its problems. This is a very easy way of convincing people to turn violent since their voice is not heard in society. This is the starting process of Radicalization as people decide to first get into convincing an individual that being violent comes along with no problem. There are core values and principles that society holds, for extremism, now it goes against these core values and beliefs. Such a belief is on violence; it is taken as a vice that should be avoided, and this is what is known by society in normal situations.
When it comes to Radicalization, some groups want to convince someone into thinking that violence is something that they should practice since it will be of help to them. A good example is Jihad in Islamic culture. Although it is something spiritual that should be handled with much concern, some leaders in the Islamic religion tend to use it for Radicalization. A number of the United States have reassured people, majorly in the Middle East region, that they have no war against Islam but what they want to fight is Terrorism. This has brought up major issues since the Muslims believe that the west is generally at war with their religion.
When a leader instills extremist ideologies in them, they follow this since it's all in their defense. Religion, therefore, becomes a uniting factor behind violent extremists and ordinary people since they all believe their ideologies are being fought. When these two groups are united by religion, the violent extremist ideologies are easily passed on in the group. This is because the militant leaders use religion as a platform through which they pass their violent extremist ideologies. It is through convincing individuals and instilling violent extremist ideologies in them; they begin to take action.
Their violent actions against their oppressors (who are defined by the violent extremist) are therefore practiced on the basis of religion and protecting their group. An example is in Robert Spencer's book Stealth Jihad, which shows that Islamic texts declare warfare against Non-Muslims. The text also acknowledges that Islamic texts advocate for Sharia Law to be imposed all across the world. This is what will be seen as a true source of political and social authority. Such texts will be used by violent extremists to drive their own agendas as they all seek to get political and social authority as a true source of power.
Theories Examined in the Article
The Social Movement Theory
This can be defined as a set of beliefs and opinions held by a population, in which they represent preferences for changing some elements in the social structure. Movements majorly begin when people have differences that exist among them, which brings up discontent. These prompts them into forming movements that will help them face the different social forces operating in society. An example of such a movement is the Islamic religion, and they have to fight for its survival. This is done through, having a mobilization potential, forming recruitment networks, arousing participation motivation, and removing participation barriers.
Social Psychology Theories
These theories try to study how the imagined, actual and implied presence of others influences an individual's feelings, thoughts, and behavior. This will, therefore, look more at a group set up for the influence to happen. A group's violent extremist opinions and attitudes tend to be stronger than those held by individual members, and this is known as group polarization. People also tend to identify with group behaviors more positively and therefore, more appreciated. This is the reason why most people will tend to behave in certain ways only to fit into the group, also considering that the individual will feel less responsible for group actions; this well explains violent extremist ideologies out here.
The Conversion Theory
This focuses more on the transforming of individual beliefs and ideologies. There are majorly seven steps in this theory. The first one is context, where environmental factors may impede or accelerate conversion development. The second is a crisis, in which a disequilibrium exists from social interruption or personal reasons. On the quest, an individual looks for solutions to restore equilibrium. In the encounter stage, this is where contact is first made between a seeker and a spiritual option.
In the interaction stage, an exchange between the seeker and spiritual option happens, and this acts as an introduction. In the commitment stage, decisions showing faith in the spiritual option are made, and then an individual makes a public statement of faith as a way of solidifying their status. This part can be majorly used to explain violent extremist ideologies, as individuals are trying to show their commitment.
Ways to Address the Radicalization Process
Ways to address the radicalization process majorly come from social science theories. Based on social psychology theories, Radicalization should be fought by reaching out to individuals and not groups. This is because groups do not have a sense of guilt, unlike what exists at an individual level. It should not be made to look like groups are being fought since this makes them stronger, unlike reaching out to individuals.
Based on the conversion theory, the last step should be brought out. Individuals are mostly not aware of the consequences that exist due to their actions because this is mostly overlooked. An evaluation should be made to outline the consequences, something that will most influence some people to opt-out of these violent extremist groups.
References
- Borum, R. (2011). Radicalization into violent extremism I: A review of social science theories. Journal of Strategic Security, 4(4), 7-36.
- Spencer, R. (2008). Stealth Jihad. Regnery Publishing.
- Hoffman, B. (2006). Inside Terrorism. Columbia University Press.
- McCauley, C., & Moskalenko, S. (2011). Toward a Behavioral Model of Political Radicalization. The American Psychologist, 66(6), 721-731.
- Barrett, R. (2018). The Islamic State: A Brief History. International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation.
- Macklin, G. (2017). The New Radicalization: An Overview of the Problems. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 40(5), 422-440.
- White, J. R. (2018). Terrorism: An Introduction. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Glaeser, E. L. (2009). Political Extremism: An Overview. Harvard University Press.
- Rudolph, C. (2019). Understanding Radicalization: The Role of Context. Perspectives on Terrorism, 13(2), 1-12.
- Silber, M. D., & Bhatt, A. (2007). Radicalization in the West: The Homegrown Threat. New York City Police Department.