The recent murder attempt on Salman Rushdie warrants a review of the process of radicalization to violence in both the political and religious sphere. Below is a list of risk factors from the National institute of Justice (1) for radicalizing individuals to violent extremism
· Experiencing identity conflict
· Feeling there is a lack of meaning in life
· Wanting status
· Wanting to belong
· Desiring action or adventure
· Having experienced trauma*
· Having mental health issues or being emotionally unstable/troubled
· Being naïve or having little knowledge of political/religious and ideology
· Having strong political/religious beliefs
· Having grievances
· Feeling under threat
· Having an “us versus them” world view
· Justifying violence or illegal activity as a solution to problems*
· Having engaged in previous criminal activity*
· Stressors (e.g., a family crisis, being fired from a job)
· Societal discrimination or injustice
· Exposure to violent extremist groups or individuals
· Exposure to violent extremist belief systems or narratives
· Family members or other in violent extremist network*
Just like the social determinants of health are overwhelmingly responsible for overall health and well being, political, religious and societal/economic factors will drive radicalization and violent extremism. (2) Using existing resources as advocated by the UN to rectify these deficiencies is warranted. 7 Action recommendations have been promulgated.
1. Dialogue and Conflict Prevention
2. Strengthening Good Governance, Human Rights and the Rule of Law
3. Engaging Communities
4. Empowering Youth
5. Gender Equality and Empowering Women
6. Education, Skill Development and Employment Facilitation
7. Strategic Communications, the Internet and Social Media
Sending people to get healthcare is responsible for a very small portion of human wellness. Likewise trying to use security or counter terrorism measures are not effective in the prevention of the root problems of poverty , alienation, discrimination and misinformation. We need societal inclusion, opportunities for the resource poor, nonviolent outlets, and resources to correct fundamental societal deficiencies to prevent radicalization and violence rather than after the fact interventions.
Prevention is the ultimate goal and winning the hearts and minds, showing goodwill compassion and acceptance can be the building blocks for minimizing radical views and violence. Social media can be used to reintegrate the marginalized as it can be used to radicalize to violence.
We will never solve extremism and violence with bullets, bombs or security measures. Providing economic opportunity, solving problems of poverty, hunger and disease will be our greatest tools to combat extremism and violence. We need compassion, understanding, generosity, tolerance, acceptance and love as our long-term strategy.
Refences
(1) https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/249947.pdf
(2) https://www.un.org/sites/www.un.org.counterterrorism/files/plan_action.pdf
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