Month: March 2024

Radicalisation is a complex and challenging issue that affects many people around the world. It is often driven by a sense of alienation, frustration, anger, or injustice that makes some individuals vulnerable to extremist ideologies and narratives.

How should we respond to people at risk of radicalisation? How do we ensure we don’t push them further away while still confronting the hatred they may express? These are difficult questions that require careful and nuanced answers. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some general principles that can guide us:

– Listen with empathy and respect. Try to understand the person’s perspective, experiences, and emotions. Don’t dismiss or invalidate their feelings, even if you disagree with their views. Acknowledge their grievances and frustrations, and show that you care about them as a human being.

– Challenge with compassion and evidence. Don’t shy away from challenging the person’s beliefs and assumptions, but do so in a respectful and constructive way. Use facts, logic, and reason to counter the extremist narratives and expose their flaws and inconsistencies. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or ridicule, as they can backfire and reinforce the person’s defensiveness and hostility.

– Offer alternatives and support. Don’t leave the person feeling hopeless or isolated. Help them explore other ways of thinking and acting that are more positive, constructive, and fulfilling. Provide them with resources, opportunities, and connections that can broaden their horizons and empower them to make positive changes in their lives. Encourage them to seek professional help if they are struggling with mental health issues or trauma.

Radicalisation is not a static or irreversible process. It is possible to prevent it or intervene in it, but it requires patience, persistence, and courage. We can all play a role in helping people at risk of radicalisation to find a better path.

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about how to define and counter extremism, especially in the context of terrorism and radicalisation. Some argue that the current definitions are too broad, vague, or subjective, and that they may infringe on civil liberties, human rights, or freedom of expression. Others contend that the existing definitions are too narrow, rigid, or outdated, and that they fail to capture the diversity and complexity of extremist ideologies, movements, and actions.

But what is extremism, anyway? And why does it matter how we define it?

Extremism is generally understood as a deviation from the norm or the mainstream, in terms of beliefs, values, or behaviours. However, this raises the question of who sets the norm or the mainstream, and how they are determined. Different societies, cultures, or groups may have different norms or mainstreams, and they may change over time. Moreover, what is considered extreme in one context may not be so in another, or vice versa.

For example, some forms of political dissent or social activism may be seen as extremist by some authorities or segments of society, but as legitimate or even necessary by others. Similarly, some religious practices or beliefs may be regarded as extremist by some faith communities or secular actors, but as orthodox or essential by others. Furthermore, some extremist groups or individuals may use violence or coercion to achieve their goals, while others may not.

Therefore, defining extremism is not a simple or straightforward task. It involves making judgments about what is acceptable or unacceptable, right or wrong, normal or abnormal. It also involves balancing security and liberty, order and diversity, stability and change. It requires taking into account the historical, political, social, cultural, and psychological factors that shape and influence extremism.

A new definition of extremism may not necessarily solve these challenges. It may create new problems or controversies. It may be too inclusive or exclusive, too flexible or rigid, too general or specific. It may be misused or abused for political or ideological purposes. It may have unintended consequences or side effects.

Therefore, before we rush to redefine extremism, we should ask ourselves: do we really need a new definition? And if so, what kind of definition do we need? And who should be involved in crafting and implementing it?

These are not easy questions to answer. But they are important ones to ask.

In this blog, I will try to explain what I think is meant by unclear ideology and why it is a problem for our society.

Unclear ideology is the lack of a coherent and consistent set of beliefs, values, and goals that guide one’s actions and decisions. It is the opposite of clear ideology, which is the possession of a well-defined and articulated worldview that informs one’s choices and behaviors.

Why is unclear ideology a problem? Because it leads to confusion, inconsistency, and contradiction. It makes it hard for people to understand themselves and others, to communicate effectively, and to cooperate harmoniously. It also makes it easy for people to be manipulated, deceived, or exploited by those who have clear ideologies and agendas.

How can we avoid unclear ideology? By being aware of our own assumptions, biases, and preferences, and by examining them critically and rationally. By seeking out reliable sources of information and evidence, and by avoiding fallacies and propaganda. By being open-minded and respectful of different perspectives, but also by being skeptical and discerning. By being humble and willing to admit our mistakes and change our views when necessary.

In a nut shell, unclear ideology is a state of confusion and contradiction that hinders our personal and social development. We should strive to develop clear ideologies that are based on reason, evidence, and values, and that help us to achieve our goals and improve our lives.

Extreme Far right extremism is a term that encompasses a variety of political ideologies and movements that share some common features, such as radical conservatism, ultra-nationalism, authoritarianism, and nativism. These groups and individuals often oppose democracy, human rights, multiculturalism, immigration, and globalisation, and may advocate violence, terrorism, or genocide to achieve their goals.

According to Wikipedia, “Far-right politics, or right-wing extremism, is a spectrum of political thought that tends to be radically conservative, ultra-nationalist, and authoritarian, often also including nativist tendencies.” The name derives from the left–right political spectrum, with the “far right” considered further from center than the standard political right.

The far right’s worldview is based on organicism, the idea that society functions as a complete, organized and homogeneous living being. They reject universalism and diversity, and idealize a “we” that excludes a “they”. They view their community as in a state of decay or crisis, and portray themselves as a natural, sane and alternative elite that can save society from its doom. They also reject the current political system and the global order, which they see as corrupt, decadent, or oppressive.

The far right is not a monolithic bloc, but rather a fragmented movement with different groups and ideologies. Some of the main categories of far-right extremism are:

• Racist extremism: This includes groups and individuals that believe in the superiority of one race over another, and seek to preserve or expand their racial purity or dominance. Examples of racist extremist groups are neo-Nazis, white supremacists, Ku Klux Klan, and neo-Confederates.
• Nativist extremism: This includes groups and individuals that oppose immigration and multiculturalism, and seek to protect or restore the cultural or ethnic identity of their nation or region. Examples of nativist extremist groups are anti-Muslim groups, anti-Semitic groups, anti-Roma groups, and ethno-nationalist groups.
• Anti-government extremism: This includes groups and individuals that oppose the authority or legitimacy of the state or federal government, and seek to resist or overthrow it by force or violence. Examples of anti-government extremist groups are militias, sovereign citizens, anarchists, and secessionists.

The threat from extreme far-right terrorism is real and growing. According to Stanford University, “Since 2010 there have been 113 attacks by far-right extremists in the United States alone.” These attacks have targeted religious minorities, racial minorities, political opponents, journalists, law enforcement officers, government officials, and civilians. Some of the most notorious examples of far-right terrorist attacks are:

• The 2011 Norway attacks by Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in a bombing and shooting rampage motivated by his anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views.
• The 2015 Charleston church shooting by Dylann Roof, who killed nine African-American worshippers in a racially motivated attack.
• The 2016 Quebec City mosque shooting by Alexandre Bissonnette, who killed six Muslim men in an Islamophobic attack.
• The 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville by white supremacists and neo-Nazis, which resulted in the death of one counter-protester and injuries to dozens more.
• The 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting by Robert Bowers, who killed 11 Jewish people in an anti-Semitic attack.
• The 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings by Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 Muslim worshippers in a white supremacist attack.
• The 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting by Patrick Crusius, who killed 23 people in an anti-Hispanic attack.

The UK is also facing a rising threat from far-right extremists. According to The Guardian, “Since March 2017, counter-terrorism police and the intelligence services have stopped 32 plots they assess as aiming to cause mass casualties on British soil. Of these they assess 18 were Islamist related, and 12 were triggered by extreme rightwing terrorist ideology.” Some of the recent examples of far-right terrorist plots or attacks in the UK are:

• The 2017 Finsbury Park attack by Darren Osborne, who drove a van into Muslim worshippers outside a mosque in London, killing one person.
• The 2018 National Action trial of six members of a banned neo-Nazi group who planned to murder Labour MP Rosie Cooper with a machete.
• The 2020 stabbing attack at Forbury Gardens in Reading by Khairi Saadallah, who killed three people in an attack inspired by neo-Nazi ideology.

How can we prevent or counter extreme far-right extremism? There is no simple or easy answer to this question. However, some possible measures include:

• Strengthening democratic institutions and values
• Promoting social cohesion and inclusion
• Challenging hate speech and propaganda
• Educating the public about the dangers and signs of radicalisation
• Supporting the victims and survivors of extremist violence
• Enhancing the cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence, and civil society actors
• Providing effective interventions and deradicalisation programs for those at risk or involved in extremist activities

Extreme far-right extremism is a serious and complex problem that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted response. By understanding its causes, manifestations, and impacts, we can better address this threat and protect our society from its harms.

Islamist extremism is a term that refers to a set of beliefs and actions that are based on a radical interpretation of Islam that rejects democracy, human rights, and secularism, and seeks to impose Sharia law by force or violence.

According to the UK government, Islamist extremism is defined as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”. It also includes the accusation that the West is waging a war on Islam.

Islamist extremism is not the same as Islam or Islamism, which are broader and more diverse terms that encompass different aspects of Islamic faith, practice, and politics. Islamist extremism is a subset of Islamic fundamentalism, which is a movement that advocates a return to the original sources and principles of Islam.

Some examples of Islamist extremist groups are al-Qaeda, Islamic State (IS), Boko Haram, Taliban, and Hamas. These groups use violent tactics such as bombings, shootings, kidnappings, and beheadings to achieve their goals of creating an Islamic state or caliphate. They often target civilians, minorities, women, and other Muslims who do not share their views.

Islamist extremism poses a serious threat to global security and stability, as well as to the rights and freedoms of millions of people. It also distorts the image of Islam and fuels Islamophobia and discrimination. Therefore, it is important to counter Islamist extremism by promoting dialogue, education, tolerance, and democracy among Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyse, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources and perspectives. It is a skill that can help us make better decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Critical thinking is not just about finding flaws or errors in arguments, but also about recognizing strengths and weaknesses, identifying assumptions and biases, and generating alternatives and solutions.

Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is important for many reasons. First, it can help us avoid being misled by false or misleading information, such as propaganda, advertisements, or fake news. Second, it can help us develop our own opinions and beliefs based on evidence and logic, rather than relying on authority, tradition, or emotion. Third, it can help us improve our academic and professional performance, as well as our personal and social relationships, by enhancing our creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

How can we improve our critical thinking skills?

There are many ways to improve our critical thinking skills. Some of them are:

• Asking questions: We can ask ourselves and others questions that challenge our assumptions, clarify our understanding, and explore different perspectives. For example, we can ask: What is the main point? What are the reasons or evidence? What are the implications or consequences? What are the alternatives or objections?
  
• Seeking feedback: We can seek feedback from others who have different backgrounds, experiences, or viewpoints. We can listen to their opinions and arguments with an open mind, and try to understand their reasoning and perspective. We can also ask them to critique our own ideas and arguments, and learn from their suggestions and criticisms.
  
• Reading widely: We can read books, articles, or blogs that cover a variety of topics and genres. We can expose ourselves to different styles of writing, modes of reasoning, and types of evidence. We can also compare and contrast different sources and authors, and evaluate their credibility and reliability.
  
• Practicing regularly: We can practice our critical thinking skills by applying them to real-life situations or scenarios. We can analyse current events, social issues, or personal problems using critical thinking tools and techniques. We can also participate in debates, discussions, or simulations that require us to think critically and creatively.
  
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