Causes of extremism Flashcards
What are the 3 types of causes of extremism
Social, economic, political
Social causes of extremism
Peer pressure, religious radicalisation, ideological beliefs
Economic causes of extremism
Government corruption, unemployment, deprivation
Political causes of extremism
Nationalism, retaliation, government repression
How is peer pressure a social cause of extremism?
- Extremist organisations adopt a cult-like system
Extremism peer pressure example
During the Covid-19 pandemic, ISIS recruiters used platforms like Telegram to create a family-like dynamic for the most isolated people, giving them a sense of belonging
How is religious radicalisation a social cause of extremism?
- People who commit extremist acts in the name are religious extremists
- For the example, those involved with the 9/11 attacks were angry at the West’s involvement in Middle Eastern affairs
- Religious extremists believe theyare fulfilling their duty and will be revered as martyrs
Extremism religious radicalisation example
The Islamic Jihadist group ISIS have committed many attacks from mass shootings in Paris and Bangladesh to “lone-wolf” attacks such as in London Bridge.
How is ideological beliefs a social cause of extremism?
- People use extremism to impose their ideological beliefs on others
- Ideology does not need to be political or religious in nature
- Groups use extremist to further the ideology they align with
Extremism ideological beliefs example
The Animal Liberation Fromnt have committed many terrorist acts in the USA. Members associated with the ALF sent packages contaminated with AIDS to UCLA scientists to intimidate them into stopping animal testing
How is government corruption an economic cause of extremism?
- Governments of countries that are victims of frequent extremism embezzle funds more often
- Creates harsh living standards and economic hardship
- People join extremist organisations to be paid or revered as martyrs
Extremism government corruption example
In Myanmar, underveloped regions like Rakhine state have seen a rise in violence from miltant groups against the miltary for their oppression of ethnic minorities
How is unemployment an economic cause of extremism?
- Creates economic hardship and feelings of hopelessness
- Individuals become more susceptible to radical ideologies
- Lack of job opportunities makes people feel excluded from society as well as deprived
- Extremist organisations take advantage of feelings of hopelessness and offer financial survival
Extremism unemployment example
ISIS recruiters were reported to be targeting young men in immigrant communities with a lack of job opportunities by French and Belgian authorities
How is deprivation an economic cause of extremism?
- Deprivation can radicalise people, such as in Syria and Iraq
- People become unhappy with living standards caused by lack of education and job opportunitiesn
- Poverty can make people vulnerable to promises made by extremist groups
Extremism deprivation example
After the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, economic conditions began to worsen. This led increased recruitment to organisations such as ISIS-K for survival
How is government repression a political cause of extremism?
- Some countries use a system of dictatorship
- Dictatorship is a form of government that is oppressive and makes decisions for its people, often not what is wanted by the majority
- “Rebels” resort to extremist acts to bring change to their country
- These “rebels” often have wide support despite being extremists
Extremism government repression example
The widespread feelings of discontent toward President Assad led to a civil war in Syria, with armed protestors calling for his removal
How is retaliation a political cause of extremism?
- Retaliation is the act of harming a person or group because they hurt you or someone you care about
- Individuals feel as though they have to retailate for seemingly unjust attacks on society
- Islamic extremists have carried out terror attacks for the West’s involvement in Middle Eastern affairs as retaliation
Extremism retaliation example
In the 2020 Vienna shooting, the gunman was related to ISIS and had committed many shootings, motivated by Islamic Extremism
How is nationalism a political cause of extremism?
- Nationalism is the belief that your country and culture is superior to others, fostering hate
- Citizens may want independence based on these characteristics but cannot do so peacefully, so use acts of extremism to advocate
- Nationalism is tied with ethnic or religious groups feeling like they have been denied their rights
Extremism nationalism example
The 2019 Christchurch Mosque attacks in New Zealand which were carried out by a self-proclaimed far-right extremist, inspired similar attacks such as the 2020 Hanau shooting in Germany where the gunman was revealed to have xenophobic and ant-Muslim sentiments, like the attacker behind the Christchurch shootings
