Violent extremism

The term 'violent extremism' refers to the beliefs and actions of people who support or use ideologically-motivated violence to further radical ideological, religious, or political aims. Violent extremist views can manifest in connection with a range of issues, including politics, religion and gender relations. No society, religious community, or worldview is immune to violent extremism. Though 'radicalization' is a contested term to some, it has come to be used to define the process through which an individual or a group comes to regard violence as a legitimate and a desirable means of action. Radical thought that does not condone the exercise of violence to further political goals may be seen as normal and acceptable, and be promoted by groups working within the boundaries of legally permitted activity. The phrase 'violent extremism' may occur as a code name for Islamic terrorism. The term 'violent extremism' refers to the beliefs and actions of people who support or use ideologically-motivated violence to further radical ideological, religious, or political aims. Violent extremist views can manifest in connection with a range of issues, including politics, religion and gender relations. No society, religious community, or worldview is immune to violent extremism. Though 'radicalization' is a contested term to some, it has come to be used to define the process through which an individual or a group comes to regard violence as a legitimate and a desirable means of action. Radical thought that does not condone the exercise of violence to further political goals may be seen as normal and acceptable, and be promoted by groups working within the boundaries of legally permitted activity. The phrase 'violent extremism' may occur as a code name for Islamic terrorism. In American military jargon, the term 'violent extremist organizations' or VEO has come into use. The Obama administration defined VEO as groups of 'individuals who support or commit ideologically motivated violence to further political goals'. These groups include both ideologically-motivated international terrorist organizations (ITO) and homegrown violent extremists (HVE). There is no single profile or pathway for radicalization, or even speed at which it happens. Nor does the level of education seem to be a reliable predictor of vulnerability to radicalization. It is however established that there are socio-economic, psychological, and institutional factors that lead to violent extremism. Specialists group these factors into three main categories: push factors, pull factors, and contextual factors. “Push Factors” drive individuals to violent extremism, such as: marginalization, inequality, discrimination, persecution or the perception thereof; limited access to quality and relevant education; the denial of rights and civil liberties; and other environmental, historical and socio-economic grievances. “Pull Factors” nurture the appeal of violent extremism, for example: the existence of well-organized violent extremist groups with compelling discourses and effective programs that are providing services, revenue and/or employment in exchange for membership. Groups can also lure new members by providing outlets for grievances and promise of adventure and freedom. Furthermore, these groups appear to offer spiritual comfort, “a place to belong” and a supportive social network. See also: Online youth radicalization The current state of evidence on the link between the Internet, social media, and violent radicalization is very limited and still inconclusive. Most studies fail to provide evidence on the drivers of interest to extremist sites, engagement in social media on these issues, the reasons for influence of content, and the external and internal correlated factors, as well as the trajectories of youth who come to perpetuate violent acts. Some evidence suggests that the Internet and social media may play a role in the violent radicalization process, mainly through the dissemination of information and propaganda, as well as the reinforcement, identification and engagement of a (self)-selected audience that is interested in radical and violent messages. The synthesis of evidence shows, at its best, that social media is an environment that facilitates violent radicalization, rather than driving it. Contextual factors that provide a favorable terrain to the emergence of violent extremist groups, such as: fragile states, the lack of rule of law, corruption and criminality.