According to J. M. Berger, extremism is the belief that the existence or prosperity of an in-group is inextricably linked to the need for hostile measures against out-groups. This concept emphasizes the main idea of extremist ideologies, which put the needs and welfare of the in-group ahead of any perceived dangers from the outside (Berger26). Huguley et al. (437) state that in-groups are coherent identity collectives based on standard attachments like race, religion, or country. On the other hand, outside entities viewed as hostile or at odds with the objectives of the in-group are referred to as out-groups (Berger26). Berger’s methodology also clarifies the complex division of in-groups into eligible and ineligible subsets. Members who run the danger of being kicked out of or marginalized inside the extreme movement’s sphere of influence are considered ineligible in-groups, whereas eligible in-groups form the more significant identity collective supported by extremist organizations (Berger 27). Comprehending these contrasts is essential to analyzing the fundamental principles of extremist ideologies and identifying how they sustain polarization and intergroup conflict.
Extremism is a dynamic phenomenon that changes with time, leveraging new technology and trends to achieve its goals. The internet and social media have completely changed how radical people and groups communicate and disseminate their ideas, claims J.M. Berger (Berger 110). Extremists may now more readily than ever communicate with one another across geographic borders, exchange propaganda materials, and radicalize recruits thanks to these platforms. In particular, social media platforms, chat rooms, and online forums provide extremists with a venue to spread propaganda and engage with those who could be at risk of radicalization or recruitment (Valentini et al. 524). By creating virtual communities that act as echo chambers for the spread of extremist ideology, these technologies contribute to the reinforcement of preexisting extreme beliefs. The sense of empowerment these technologies afford extremists is a result of their ability to remain anonymous. It also makes extremist narratives more accessible to those who may not have encountered them. Extremist organizations also use emerging technologies to achieve their goals. For example, radical actions can be concealed from intelligence services and law enforcement thanks to contemporary encryption technology (Adibe et al. 29). Additionally, they fund their operations and hide their traces using technologies like Bitcoin, the dark web, and illicit marketplaces, making it harder for authorities to find and stop them.
Regarding countering extremism, Berger’s perspectives support pragmatic endeavours such as Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act of 2018 and the “Hello CT” app, demonstrating preemptive actions against extremist doctrines. As Berger’s study demonstrates, cooperation with organizations such as the Institute for Economics and Peace and the UN Committee on Counter-Terrorism offers strong foundations for combating violent extremism (CVE) (Amit et al. 5). Implementing online courses supported by UNESCO and recommended by Berger, schools, and parents may better identify indicators of radicalization. As seen by a 30% rise in material removal connected to violent extremism in Bangladesh (CVE), platforms like Facebook’s Material Verification Program and Twitter’s Safety Center, both approved by Berger, are essential in identifying and eliminating extremist content (Amit et al. 5). Resilience within the community is promoted by accepting Berger’s emphasis on including religious leaders through programs like the “Interfaith Harmony Conference.” By utilizing these tools and collaborations, per Berger’s observations, people and communities are better equipped to resist extremism and promote tolerance and understanding.
According to evidence-based tactics, combating extremism necessitates all-encompassing methods that examine the socio-political and economic foundations that motivate hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan (Ku et al.). With information from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the Intelligence Project keeps a close eye on more than 1,500 extreme hard-right groups, such as the KKK, white nationalists, and neo-Nazis. The SPLC provides legislators, media outlets, and the public with essential insights through painstakingly constructed investigative reports and expert assessments. They use early warning signal identification, grassroots engagement, and community resilience building against extremist beliefs as proactive intervention strategies (Lee et al., 2). The SPLC has been at the vanguard since the 1980s, fighting against the revival of Klan violence and yearly reporting hate groups and antigovernment organizations. They have successfully demolished well-known hate groups through legal wrangling and exposing efforts, and they use advanced data analytics methods via their DataLab to counteract extremism and online toxicity (Ku et al.). With the support of data-driven insights, cooperative projects can enable communities to address and reduce the spread of extremist beliefs effectively.
Social cohesiveness is seriously threatened by the modern white supremacist movement in the United States, which has been well-documented by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center. As seen by gatherings like the America First Political Action Conference (White nationalist n.p.), prominent personalities like Nick Fuentes have attempted to rebrand and legitimize white nationalist views despite a claimed fall in the number of organized groups since 2019. At the 2022 America First Conference, prominent members of Congress, such as Paul Gosar and Marjorie Taylor Greene, gave remarks that raised concerns about the movement’s adoption of extreme rhetoric in political circles. Furthermore, events such as the arrest of 31 Patriot Front members in 2022 as they were trying to disrupt a Pride celebration highlight the movement’s commitment to using violence and intimidation (White nationalist n.p.). Such overt manifestations of white nationalism are becoming more common, which emphasizes how difficult it is to refute extreme narratives and shield underprivileged groups from prejudice and targeted attacks.
In conclusion, the discussion of extremism, informed by J. M. Berger’s perceptive definition, emphasizes the complex interplay between in-group cohesiveness and out-group hostility that characterizes extreme ideas. Through the perspective of Berger’s paradigm, one may examine the intricate relationship between identity, ideology, and conflict that forms the basis of the radicalization process. As this discussion’s many ideas demonstrate, combating extremism requires an all-encompassing strategy that includes law enforcement, community participation, legislative intervention, and education. Actions like the “Hello CT” app, joint ventures with groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center, and online platforms for community building and content verification are critical steps in squelching extremist narratives and promoting social resilience. In the future, addressing the issues raised by extremism and advancing a more accepting, tolerant, and peaceful society for everyone will need ongoing study, discussion, and coordinated action.Top of Form
Works Cited
“Ku Klux Klan.” Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/ku-klux-klan. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.
“White Nationalist.” Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/white-nationalist. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.
Adibe, Emeka C., Ndubuisi Nwafor, and Chibuike Amaucheazi. “Information Technology, Terrorism Financing and Financial Institution’s Role in Combating Terrorism.” IRLJ 2 (2020): 29.
Amit, Sajid, Lumbini Barua, and Abdulla-Al Kafy. “Countering violent extremism using social media and preventing implementable strategies for Bangladesh.” Heliyon 7.5 (2021).
Berger, John M. Extremism. Mit Press, 2018.
Huguley, James P., et al. “Parental ethnic–racial socialization practices and the construction of children of color’s ethnic–racial identity: A research synthesis and meta-analysis.” Psychological bulletin 145.5 (2019): 437.
Lee, Brice Tseen Fu, and Gulshan Bibi Ms. “POWER PROJECTION AND COUNTER-TERRORISM: STRATEGIES FOR SMALL STATES LIKE BRUNEI DARUSSALAM.” Journal of Terrorism Studies 5.2: 2.
Valentini, Daniele, Anna Maria Lorusso, and Achim Stephan. “Onlife extremism: Dynamic integration of digital and physical spaces in radicalization.” Frontiers in psychology 11 (2020): 524.
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