The present work focuses on radicalization and political radicalism. In modern conditions, political radicalism is an integral component of the political life of many countries, manifested in the activities, value orientations of the ruling and opposition elites, as well as ordinary citizens. Being a multifaceted phenomenon, in the era of globalization, it is transformed and modified, assumes various types and forms adequate to new civilizational challenges and risks. Historical and modern events eloquently testify that radical methods of solving socio-political problems, especially those that are actualizing in the conditions of crises, are often used by the authorities even during periods of stable development.
In the situation of the current economic crisis, which became structural and went beyond the economic sphere, the radial moods of the actors in the political process, as well as the activities of various radical and extremist organizations, became much more active. Political extremism and radicalism, as its variety, are among the most ambiguous and multifaceted problems of modern political science. In recent years, researchers have been actively investigating the causes, essence, and content of this phenomenon.
Modern political realities necessitate the analysis of manifestations of radicalism burdened with negative meanings. In this context, it is necessary to analyze the concepts of "radicalism" and "extremism," reveal their similarities and differences. The similarity consists in rejecting compromises, demanding a radical reorganization of existing social and political institutions, and as soon as possible. The difference between these concepts is relative, conditional. Radicalism, as a phenomenon, is more a kind of political ideology, justifying radical actions. Extremism is a concept that characterizes mainly political practice.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Radicalization
2. Conceptualizing Radicalism, Extremism, and Terrorism
3. Psychology and Social Preconditions of Radicalism
4. Forms and Varieties of Radicalism
5. Social Radicalism and Ideological Structures
6. Theoretical Approaches to Radicalization
7. Institutional and Sociocultural Paradigms
8. Ideologies of Group Extremism
9. Postmodernism and Modern Political Realities
10. Counteraction Strategies and Civil Society Models
Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to analyze the multifaceted phenomenon of radicalization, examining its psychological, sociological, and ideological foundations within the context of modern political science. It seeks to clarify the blurred lines between radicalism, extremism, and terrorism, while exploring how these processes manifest in contemporary society.
- Psychological mechanisms behind extremist personality traits and ego-ideologies.
- Sociological theories of deprivation and the role of social networks.
- Distinction between constructive revolutionary radicalism and destructive social extremism.
- The impact of institutional and sociocultural paradigms on radicalization.
- Development of effective models for state and civil society counteraction.
Extract from the Book
The psychology of extremism
The psychology of extremism in itself is an interesting topic of research. At the core of the personality of the extremist the so-called “heroism of egotheism” lies. The extremist perceives himself as the Messiah. For an extremist, this is, certainly, significant and enjoyable, because he feels himself both a prophet and a hero - the bearer of the highest truth and the savior of mankind from all ills. This sensation is similar to the Nietzschean idea of the “superman,” who is allowed what is not allowed to an ordinary person. The extremist, thereby, justifies the use of the most stringent, violent means of achieving political goals. The extremist in his actions differs from the usual criminal offender (criminal) with his criminal rampaging, a false excuse for the violence being committed. The most likely way of developing extremism is terrorism (Kruglanski et al., 2014).
Some preconditions can be singled out: the ideology and practice of extremism and terrorism are in the political sphere. Extremist and terrorist manifestations are associated with the impact on decision-making by the authorities. Political extremism or adherence to extreme views and measures in politics is a broader concept than political terrorism. Terrorism acts under certain conditions as one of the socially dangerous forms of extremism (Borum, 2011). Political extremism and political terrorism are a means to achieve with violence the goals of radical groups seeking to influence decisions taken by the authorities.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction to Radicalization: Provides an overview of radicalism as a complex component of modern political life and highlights the need for academic study.
Conceptualizing Radicalism, Extremism, and Terrorism: Differentiates between core concepts and examines how they are often misused or synonymously applied in political discourse.
Psychology and Social Preconditions of Radicalism: Explores the individual psychological profile of extremists and socio-economic factors that trigger radical shifts.
Forms and Varieties of Radicalism: Distinguishes between constructive and destructive radicalism based on their impact on existing social orders.
Social Radicalism and Ideological Structures: Analyzes the ideological levels of social radicalism, including the construction of the "enemy" and simplification of identities.
Theoretical Approaches to Radicalization: Discusses various scientific lenses, including social deprivation theories and network analyses of extremist groups.
Institutional and Sociocultural Paradigms: Evaluates how cultural universals and institutional development shape the evolution of radical movements.
Ideologies of Group Extremism: Examines the distinctive features of extremist ideologies, particularly the binary division between "own" and "alien."
Postmodernism and Modern Political Realities: Contrasts modernist revolutionary models with postmodernist risks and localized radical narratives.
Counteraction Strategies and Civil Society Models: Proposes a mixed policy model involving state and civil society collaboration to minimize the impact of political radicalism.
Keywords
Radicalization, Extremism, Terrorism, Political Psychology, Social Deprivation, Ideology, Fundamentalism, Postmodernism, Sociocultural Paradigm, Civil Society, Institutionalization, Political Violence, Identity, Ego-theism, Counteraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this publication?
The work focuses on the nature and manifestations of political radicalization, examining it as a multifaceted phenomenon that evolves within the framework of global political and social changes.
What are the central themes discussed in this study?
The study centers on the intersection of psychology, ideology, and social structures, specifically how they contribute to the rise of extremism and terrorism in modern states.
What is the primary objective of the author?
The objective is to provide a comprehensive theoretical understanding of radicalism and to evaluate effective counteraction strategies that involve both state institutions and civil society.
Which scientific methodology is primarily employed?
The work utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon political science, social psychology, and sociology to analyze paradigm shifts and ideological frameworks.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers individual psychological factors, sociological theories like relative deprivation, network analysis, and the influence of postmodern discourse on radical political behavior.
What key terms characterize the research?
Key terms include political radicalization, extremist ideology, sociocultural paradigms, and the distinction between constructive and destructive radicalism.
How does the author define the "heroism of egotheism"?
The author describes it as a psychological state where the extremist perceives themselves as a prophet or savior, justifying violent acts through a sense of moral superiority over ordinary people.
Why is the sociocultural approach considered preferable for this analysis?
It is preferred because it offers an interdisciplinary framework that accounts for the functioning of cultural universals and how they influence social relations and mentality during periods of transformation.
What role do social networks play in modern extremism?
Based on network analysis, social ties and self-organizing structures are found to be more significant in the emergence of extremist groups than strictly adherence to a central ideology.
- Citar trabajo
- Nadiia Kudriashova (Autor), 2018, Radicalization and Political Radicalism, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/457908
