Over the past two decades extremism has violently manifested itself globally. It has reached a stage of organized and sustained growth that it is arguably the top most priority on the list of every nation. We can safely assume it is a much more complex and sensitive issue than counter terrorism. Today extremism has crossed transnational boundaries and seeks to threaten the rule of sovereign states, with the secondary objective of spreading a fear psychosis among peace loving citizens. It explodes into individual and collective acts of hatred and intolerance. The Sri Lanka Army organized their annual Defence Seminar, where global military experts and academics deliberated on various forms of extremism and shared their experiences.
One of the pertinent factors brought into focus by the panelists was how do we define extremism? How do extremists proceed to radicalize vulnerable people? What are the counter measures adopted using both soft and hard power? How do we use social media to combat extremism? Extremism cannot be confined in terms of a definition, as it thrives on hatred and intolerance and rears its defiant and diabolic head to strike terror.
Extremism can be identified in the arena of politics, religion and ethnicity and other anti-social ideologies. Extremists spread their vendetta of destruction using various methods from the internet to one on one encounters. The keynote speaker from the US Navy Admiral William Fallon correctly said ‘Terror is not an ideology: it is a tool”. This is why unsecure nations become fertile grounds for extremism.
In the recent past extremism has commanded worldwide attention. It has in its foundation the use of violence to achieve a desired goal. We have seen this in the actions of the Taliban, ISIS and others.
These actions violate all human rights as innocent civilians take the brunt of the radicalized assault, which in turn has a ripple effect on a nation’s economic stability and prosperity.
Thus todays military operations must go beyond purely combat operations- they must work with other state agencies to eradicate the process of radicalization, which leads people into violent extremism. Today world focus has been directed to violent Islamic radicalization, though millions of decent and pious Muslims coexist peacefully, globally.
Radicalization
Why do people become radicalized (towards any extreme doctrines or beliefs which promote division and death). The traditional reasons were lack of education, lack of employment, discrimination on the basis of religion, language and ethnicity, marginalization, not meeting desired political aspirations, sense of disenfranchisement etc (these factors do still exist in some Asian countries). Yet as panelist Phil Gurski from Canada pointed out many acts of violent extremism in Canada and America were carried out by people who had all the opportunities in these developed nations. Is there a dormant mental instability within a human which can be gradually provoked and triggered towards hatred and violence?
One must understand that radicalization is an individual and human process. Importantly it is an individual choice. A person chooses to follow their path, belief or doctrine. Of course they are influenced by others who endorse the same beliefs. As Abbas Hassan, National Defence University of Pakistan opined” Some root causes of extreme radicalization arise from lack of democracy, lack of accountability, lack of good governance and abuse of religion”. He pointed out that 400,000 lives were lost in the ISIS and Syrian crisis. 95% of conflicts are based in Islamic nations. Another major area of global concern is the rising number of refugees who stem from prolonged conflicts of violent extremism.
Impact of social media
The threat of the “lone wolf” style gunman who unleashes death in crowded public venues was also raised, though some prefer to classify these extremists as a “lone actor”. As ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu said’ Know your enemy”.
Dr. Anita Karatzogianni from Greece enlightened the audience on how violently extreme groups have successfully used the internet and social media platforms to misdirect and recruit vulnerable young men and women. She stressed the importance of data surveillance and also producing better counter narratives. Public diplomacy is a vital tool in countering extremism, and the life of American Benjamin Franklin and his positive contribution in France was highlighted. One must be a good listener in fruitful foreign relations. Cultural diplomacy enhances soft power.
How do we counter violent extremism? Obviously we must first monitor and identify groups that deliberately and systematically spread hatred and intolerance. The Police have a key role in this task. Subsequently such information must be shared with all stake holders in national security. Plans must be formulated within the legal framework of each nation to effectively counter this meance, along with the military. There are legal implications in countering violent extremism. Borris Michael, Regional Director ICRC- Asia said” Torture is counter- productive in counter terrorism. We must maintain humanity when responding to security’. Representing Sri Lanka Maj.General J.R.Kulatunga spoke on the process of successfully rehabilitating 12,000 former combatants in the Northern Province.
A dynamic Education
Sabariah Hussein, from Singapore- Terrorism Research spoke on the importance of education in eliminating extremists’ ideology. She shared on how the Singapore education system instills a sense of patriotism in all students: in a multi faith integrated manner. Prejudice is easily exploited.
Therefore schools must not be branded on religious faith or ethnic identity, but religious studies can continue to be a subject. In a multi ethnic nation, English can be the language that unites people. Youth must not be left idle, as that’s when extremists’ recruiters entice them and direct them against governments.
Further communities must be empowered to first identify and counter forms of extremism. Today firepower superiority is not a decisive factor, as General Napoleon said “There are 2 powers in this world: the sword and the mind. The sword will be beaten by the mind”.