Countering Extremism by Educating Young Minds

Extremism is a term we often encounter, while discussing national security and international affairs. However, to fully understand extremism, we have to explore its interconnected components: resistance, radicalization, and violent extremism. The lines between these components have now blurred, and each plays it’s part in shaping the behaviour and ideologies of individuals and groups.

The cycle begins with resistance, the act of standing against what is perceived as wrong or unjust. Resistance is the desire to change current conditions and can manifest many forms, from peaceful protests to aggressive militant acts. Resistance is the initial step and acts as a founding catalyst, it becomes the basis for radicalization.

Education and extremism are closely intertwined and have always been a hot topic of debate. Education can both migitate or exacerbate extremism, depending upon its purpose. Unfortunately, education has often been used as a catalyst to promote extremism.

Radicalization is the mental and ideological transformation of beliefs from conventional to radical. It is a journey through which individuals shift their ideas toward extreme or radical ideologies. The pathway of radicalization leads to extremism, characterized as holding radical ideas and dismissing the modern and mainstream perspectives, adhering to a more extreme worldview. This term is primarily used in religious and political contexts.

The final stage in this progression is violent extremism, where individuals not only hold extreme ideologies but also justify the use of violence, fear, and terrorism to achieve their ideological goals. So, while extremism and violent extremism are distinct concepts, they are deeply intertwined.
The link among all these factors can be understood as: Resistance is the catalyst, Radicalization is the journey, and Extremism and violent extremism are the destinations, where violence is used to achieve the desired goals.

The Nexus of Identity, Nationalism and Conflict

Definitions of Extremism

As extremism remains a global issue, its definition continues to evolve, becoming more precise, blurring the lines between extremism and violent extremism. Recently, the United Kingdom’s Communities Secretary, Michael Gove, has revealed a new definition of extremism stating that “It is the promotion of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, which destroys the fundamental rights and freedoms of others”. (Al Jazeera) This highlights the connection between extremism and violent extremism, whereas world history presents various instances that demonstrate this connection has long been proven and described through major four types of extremism.

Types of Extremism:

Religious Extremism:
Religious extremism is the adoption and promotion of radical beliefs within a religion, often imposing those ideologies on others and using violence to enforce compliance. It also entails intolerance towards other religions and beliefs. Examples include Al-Qaeda, a global jihadist organization that aims to establish an Islamic state through violent means, and the Taliban, a militant group in Afghanistan that uses extremism and violence to enforce strict Sharia laws. In Pakistan, a recent incident in Parachinar involved the sectarian killing of Shia Muslims by Sunni extremists.

Political Extremism:
Political extremism is the advocacy and implementation for radical political ideologies that reject the current political and social order. Individuals and groups with a politically extremist mindset do not hesitate to use power and violent means to silence their opponents. For instance, in the nineteenth century, Adolf Hitler’s promotion of Nazism led to the extermination of six million Jews during World War II in a bid to create a totalitarian state. Similarly, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine reflects a true example of political extremism, with Russia rejecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and using terriorism to alter the political landscape.

Ethnic Extremism:
Ethnic extremism refers to the radical ideology of considering your ethnic history and values to be superior and others as inferior. It often leads to an ethnic cleansing. The conflict between Palestine and Isreal serves as a classic example, with Israel using extreme and violent measures to expel Palestinians from their sacred land.

Ideological Extremism:
This form of extremism encompasses a wide range of extreme beliefs based on ideologies which are not only restricted to political, ethnic, and religious elemnts but can be an amalgamation of all. Examples include Right-Wing and Left-Wing extremism.

The Role of Education in Countering Extremism in Young Minds

Education and extremism are closely intertwined and have always been a hot topic of debate. Education can both migitate or exacerbate extremism, depending upon its purpose. Unfortunately, education has often been used as a catalyst to promote extremism. Religious figures, whether they are priests or molanas, have used education to popularise their agendas by promoting the idea of martyrdom to achieve their desired goals. Misinterpretation of religious texts is a common tactic used to mislead ignorant masses who follow them blindly.

A prominent example is, Osama Bin Laden, who despite of having an engineering background led a global jihadist movement. Similarly, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who held a Ph.D. in Islamic studies, used his knowledge to justify the wrongdoings of the organization. Similarly, zones with political instability and conflicts use educational institutions to exploit similar purposes are being used for this purpose. This can be visibly seen in the curriculum of Isreal. In it’s textbook “Crisis and Reurrection” volume 3, the occupied areas are referred to as “liberated areas” where the Jewish will live eternally.
Similarly, on the other hand, limited or restricted access to education can also fuel extremism, presenting only one side of the narrative to support extremist ideologies.

However, education remains a powerful weapon against extremism. It can play a significant role in countering extremism by fostering creative thinking and encouraging young mins to evaluate information independently. A well-rounded education is the need of the hour especially in the politically unstable regions to present multiple viewpoints on historical, political and religious issues thus avoiding narrow and one-sided perspectives. A good education also promotes the idea of tolerance, helping young minds to appreciate and respect differing perspectives and ideologies.

By observing meritocracy through education, it can promote better employement opportunities and help reduce the of extremist organizations. Several nations have mitigated extremism through education. For instance, The UK launched “Educate the Hate” campaign to combat extremism in the region. Similarly, in Kenya the government and NGO’s implemented curricula promoting civic education and peace-building skills in conflict-affected areas.

Conclusion

Education is an essential weapon in countering extremism. While it can be used to misguide young minds, it holds the potential to nurture them positively. Promoting critical thinking and fostering tolerance and acceptance towards different ideologies, cultures, and beliefs can effectively counteract the roots of extremism. A collaborative effort among governments, educators and policymakers is essential to make a curriculum that promotes peace and non-violent approaches.