Extremist Ideology Research Articles

Unpacking second-order elections theory: The effects of ideological extremity on voting in European elections

The proposition that extreme parties should perform better in second-order national contests when compared to adjacent, first-order, national elections has so far received scant attention from scholars. Correspondingly, it lacks a developed theoretical framework and systematic empirical testing. This study strives to fill these lacunae, offering a comparative analysis of all European and adjacent national elections in the last six decades. Contrary to expectations, I find a negative effect of ideological extremity on party performance in (second-order) European elections. Moreover, the effect of ideological extremity is also conditional upon party size and the temporal distance of the European election to the last national election. However, these effects are at odds with theoretical expectations of existing research. These findings have broader implications, especially in terms of transformations of European politics. For instance, they can be indicative of shifts in voter motivations and the electoral costs of governing for extreme parties.

Modern Extremism in the Conditions of a Special Military Operation in Ukraine: Some Specific Features

There is currently an evolutionary rise in extremism, which is undermining the stability of the human society for the present and the future. The problem of the spread of extremism and extremist ideology in the Russian Federation is one of serous factors threatening national security and integrity of the state, it also undermines all the ideas declared in the Constitution: equality of people regardless of their social, ideological, political, racial, national and religious affiliation. The author analyzes modern extremism in the conditions of a special military operation in Ukraine, examines some specific features, causes of the emergence and spread of extremism, and also outlines key directions for counteracting extremism. It is concluded that the cooperation between the society and the state is important for counteracting extremism crimes.

To the Question of a Need for a Complex Approach to Researching Terrorism and Extremism with the Purpose of Ensuring National Security

The author uses a complex approach to research crimes of terrorism and extremism. Scholars who study the spread of radicalism, separatism, nationalism and other negative social phenomena both in the Russian Federation and in the world pay considerable attention to researching terrorist and extremist activities of different groups of population, who are mostly represented by illegitimate organizations or communities. The author studies the measures of counteracting crimes of terrorist and extremist nature according to the best practices of other countries. The causes of the spread of terrorism and extremism in their new quality are analyzed. The link between common crime and radical youth groups is traced. The author pays special attention to the spread of extremist ideology, which is a breeding ground for terrorism. The author also establishes a correlation between ideologists and followers of radical movements while taking into consideration their social status, financial situation and educational level. The article presents valid conclusions on the measures of counteracting crimes of terrorism and extremism, which are based on the idea that the research community should use a complex approach to researching this type of crime involving sociological, criminal law, criminalistic and other methods and means.

Strengthening an integrated risk management approach to counter terrorism: Incorporating security, game theory, and economic diversification

This paper looks at the in-depth investigation into improving risk management tactics against terrorism using a multifaceted strategy that incorporates security measures, game theory concepts, and economic diversity. The goal of the study is to provide a comprehensive and strong framework that tackles both immediate security issues and long-term viable counterterrorism strategies in Nigeria. To find vulnerabilities and anticipate future threats, the integration of security measures include improving intelligence collecting, international cooperation, and border restrictions. By incorporating game theory ideas, it is possible to analyse the tactical exchanges between security forces and terrorists, providing insights into how the opposition makes decisions and allowing for the deployment of preventive measures. The use of the two-person zero sum game, the prisoner’s dilemma which depicts the Nash Equilibrium named after the Nobel Laureate economist John Nash were used in explaining how the various terrorists attack can be curbed. Different strategies were also applied so as to enable one understand how the terrorists think, possibly attack their victims and also how their network works. The study discovered that the terrorists attack mainly the communities that produce agricultural products in commercial quantities which affects the agricultural economic diversification. The study also highlights the importance of economic diversification as a key element in mitigating terrorism's underlying causes. By encouraging economic expansion and development in fragile and volatile areas, this study also promotes economic growth, discouraging the extremist ideologies and strengthening local communities in Nigeria as a whole.

U.S. agency growth aspirations and the effect of ideological extremism

AbstractDoes ideological extremism curb a public agency's desire to grow? This article theorizes that changes in the political environment affect a public agency leader's growth aspirations. Specifically, increased ideological extremism across an agency's elected principals leads an agency leader to be more cautious and less growth‐minded. The assessments of over 10,000 American state agency leaders are studied across 11 points in time from 1964 to 2018 and matched to data capturing the leader's ideological environment. Agency leaders, who face heightened extremism from elected state officials, are found to report a reduced interest in future growth. The results are strongest during periods of divided government, which may occur because the signal sent from greater extremism is more useful to agency leaders during these periods. When aggregated across thousands of agencies, the article's findings imply a driver of slower growth in the future size and scope of government.

Значение воспитательной работы университета в противодействии распространению идеологии терроризма и экстремизма

The article is devoted to the study of the topical issue of determining the importance of educational work among the university youth in countering the spread of the ideology of terrorism and extremism. The authors of the article point out that young people are the most susceptible to ideological influence. It is necessary to search for new forms and methods in educational work aimed not only at prevention, but also at the formation of a stable civil and social position of young people. Patriotism, countering the ideology of terrorism and extremism were taken as a basis for planning the educational and patriotic marathon “Week of Unified Actions”, which proved the effectiveness of the organization of interdepartmental interaction of the university with representatives of various state legal structures in the framework of the direction “Youth Policy” of the Priority 2030 program.

Reinvigoration of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics: Student-driven Progress.

Extremist far-right ideologies, including scientifically inaccurate beliefs about race, are on the rise (Mieriņa and Koroļeva 2015; Youngblood 2020); individuals perpetuating such ideologies occasionally cite genetics research, including behavioral genetics research. This highlights the need for behavioral geneticists to actively confront extremist ideology and promote anti-racism. We emphasize the need for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committees within behavioral genetics institutions. DEI committees can lead to: greater awareness of ways in which behavioral genetics has been misused (historically and currently) to harm minoritized communities, increased discussions on conducting ethical behavioral genetics research, and increased collaboration for conducting more diverse behavioral genetics research. We discuss the activities and goals of the student-driven DEI committee at the Institute for Behavior Genetics (IBG). At the same time, we acknowledge we have a long way to go, both as a committee and as a field. Our committee is still in its early stages; we discuss challenges to increasing DEI in the field and present future goals for both IBG and the behavioral genetics community as we explore the process of implementing DEI work.

Protagonists of terror: the role of ludology and narrative in conceptualising extremist violence

ABSTRACT This paper is a conceptual exploration of whether terrorists’ self-perception as (anti-)heroes, playing characters drawn from their internalised narratives within a ludic framework, offers a better understanding of the mechanism which translates extremist ideologies into violent action. Applying narrative theory to the stories told through acts of communicative terrorism, I argue that viewing terrorists as their own ‘protagonists’ offers an improved understanding of terrorism. Given the growth of extreme right-wing terrorism and the increasing prevalence of individuals acting as characters, I further incorporate existing research in ludology and ‘ludic terrorism’ to evaluate the concept of a terrorist as a ‘ludonarrative protagonist’. This paper contributes to the methodology of terrorism studies by proposing a way of conceptualising terrorist actors harmonised with existing psychological and behavioural research. I also offer practical implications for counter-terrorism efforts. Adopting this more nuanced framework will better equip counter-terrorism practitioners for preventative engagement with (potential) terrorists by centring counter-narratives and the construction of roles which reinforce cognitive barriers to violent action. This research provides an alternative explanation for why and how individuals engage in terroristic violence, recognising the emergence of an increasingly decentralised terrorism ecosystem.

Using history to protect children from extremist ideologies: The example of Noor Magazine in Egypt

In the past few years, cultural institutions in the Arab world have increased their interest in introducing history for children through different media channels, including printed magazines. One of these recent publications is Noor Magazine. One feature of Noor Magazine is its focus on the dissemination of Egyptian and Arabic and Islamic history along with its aim to protect children from extremist ideology. The present study aims to analyze the history presented in Noor Magazine in relation to how it may promote social welfare. The results of the present study show a rather great diversity among the included historical topics, which range from ancient Egyptian history to modern history, Arabic and Islamic history, and also world history. In regards to how this history is presented, there is a strong focus on politico-pedagogical, ideological, and moral uses of history, where children are presented with positive and character-building examples from the historical past to serve contemporary interests. A final prominent result is a focus on a traditional grand-narrative approach to the historical past where children are invited to learn about historical facts, rather than critically assess or engage with the historical narratives they are presented with and thus foster inclusive historical culture.

СOUNTERPROPAGANDA AS A SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL TOOL FOR COUNTERING THE IDEOLOGY OF EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM

The article analyses the socio-psychological contradictions of modern information policy in Russia, affecting the effectiveness of the counterpropaganda of the ideology of political extremism. The author considers the requirements to the external and internal components of the information environment necessary for the formation of anti-extremist consciousness

Like-minded sources on Facebook are prevalent but not polarizing

Many critics raise concerns about the prevalence of ‘echo chambers’ on social media and their potential role in increasing political polarization. However, the lack of available data and the challenges of conducting large-scale field experiments have made it difficult to assess the scope of the problem1,2. Here we present data from 2020 for the entire population of active adult Facebook users in the USA showing that content from ‘like-minded’ sources constitutes the majority of what people see on the platform, although political information and news represent only a small fraction of these exposures. To evaluate a potential response to concerns about the effects of echo chambers, we conducted a multi-wave field experiment on Facebook among 23,377 users for whom we reduced exposure to content from like-minded sources during the 2020 US presidential election by about one-third. We found that the intervention increased their exposure to content from cross-cutting sources and decreased exposure to uncivil language, but had no measurable effects on eight preregistered attitudinal measures such as affective polarization, ideological extremity, candidate evaluations and belief in false claims. These precisely estimated results suggest that although exposure to content from like-minded sources on social media is common, reducing its prevalence during the 2020 US presidential election did not correspondingly reduce polarization in beliefs or attitudes.

Institutional Trust and Media Use in Times of Cultural Backlash: A Cross-National Study in Nine European Countries

The paper contributes to the study of institutional trust by making a connection to “cultural backlash” theory and analyzing more recent forms of news consumption. We examine how trust in politics, media, and science is shaped by “cultural backlash” and media use in nine European countries. We employ representative survey data collected in 2021 in Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom as part of a large European research project. The results suggest that both exogenous (or “cultural”) and endogenous (or “institutional”) dimensions of cultural backlash matter for explaining institutional trust. Trust benefits from progressive–liberal values and less ideological extremism, but is hindered by discontentment with societal developments and political disengagement. Using public television is positively, and social media negatively associated with trust. While we find distinctions across institutions, there is huge consistency across countries.

Identification of the Doctrine of Violent Extremism of Terrorist Networks in De-Radicalization Efforts

Terrorists are not suddenly born, there is a process in which the process starts from radicalization, namely the transmission of radical ideology into a person. The radical understanding included is an ideology that is related to existing extremist ideology and is usually related to certain political groups or religious groups. The most important process in radicalization is in fact the process of giving doctrine to someone by a terrorist group. Once the Doctrine has been given, it becomes difficult to indoctrinate it. It requires a deep understanding of how doctrines are formed and how they are taught. This research describes how the extremist network of a former convict who is now active in deradicalization activities identifies extremist doctrines and ideologies. By understanding the process of identifying doctrines, it will be understood what processes can be carried out to dispel and fight these doctrines to carry out deradicalization. In this study, the case raised is the extremist network experienced by Agus Suprianto alias Farel, in his journey, he went through a process of accepting radical ideology up to extremist ideology, in the end he was deradicalized and is now in the Pancasila ideology which refers to national unity. The provisions are used to carry out empowerment activities and carry out deradicalization efforts.

Criminality in Movies (Analysis of Criminality Element in John Wick 2014 by Chad Stahelski)

Elements of crime in films can be found in scenes, story ideas or dialogues. The element of crime can trigger violence in the real world. The purpose of this research is to know and describe the meaning of crime as a learning medium to recognize and prevent criminal acts in the real world. The depiction of criminal elements is influenced by patriarchal ideology and extremism. This research is a qualitative research with John Fiske's semiotic analysis approach using The Codes Of Television theory. The results of this study indicate that the meaning of crime shown in the John Wick film displays and communicates four forms of crime, namely: shooting, killing, beating, and maltreating. The four forms of criminality are influenced by the ideology of masculinity and extremism. Masculinity is a cultural construction attached to men, extremism is a radical belief in a concept. The ideology of masculinity is constructed from the ideology of patriarchy and capitalism and the ideology of extremism is constructed from the ideology of fanaticism.

Congress, ideological extremity, and Latino demography: understanding congressional adaptability in the face of Latino population change

ABSTRACT As Latinos settle in new locations across the U.S., Republican members of Congress (MCs) are increasingly faced with adapting their behavior to incorporate this ideologically variant group. I argue that Republican MCs adapt to changing district demographics through vigilant assessment of the makeup (percent Latino) and preferences (white racial threat attitudes) of their reelection constituency. Using data from 1971 to 2015, I demonstrate that Republican MCs roll-call behavior is increasingly conservative until the district Latino population reaches 37%, where they begin to incorporate Latino interests and reduce their extreme conservative fervor. Between 30-35% Latinos, Republican MCs exhibit the lowest level of dyadic district congruence, illustrating that they are cross-pressured by conservative whites and liberal Latinos within this range. These findings suggest that Republican members of Congress are already adapting to the growing Latino population in their districts in an unexpected manner and will only incorporate Latinos when electorally necessary.

Психологические основы психолого-педагогической профилактики экстремизма и протестного поведения в молодежной среде

<p style="text-align: justify;">The work is aimed at clarifying the status of the concepts of “extremism”, “protest behavior” among young people from a psychological point of view and identifying their predictors. Analytical materials concerning the tendencies of extremism development at the present time, factors, types, causes, mechanisms, signs of the formation of extremist attitudes in the mind of a young person are presented. The scheme of the influence of extremist ideology on a young person is substantiated, reflecting the stages of development of extremist behavior in him. As predictors of the development of extremist attitudes and protest behavior, which make it possible to predict and timely prevent these negative manifestations, the following are highlighted: 1) age-psychological, psychophysiological features of young people due to the natural processes of their development, as well as socio-personal, determined by the social environment and upbringing; 2) knowledge of the reasons that determine the individual susceptibility of young people to the influence of extremist ideology; 3) socio-personal resource of subjects of educational relations. The author’s model of psychological and pedagogical prevention of youth extremism through the development of social and personal resources of subjects of educational relations, as well as empirical data of its approbation in practice, is described. The main directions of psychological and pedagogical prevention of extremism in the youth environment are work on a low level of external stimulation and overcoming the deficit of internal self-regulation, work on the development of subjectivity, self-activity of the individual, internal motivation of positive self-realization in socially significant activities. Technologies for their implementation are proposed for each of the directions.</p>

Countering the Threats of Religious Extremism in Java, Indonesia through the Strengthening Strategies of Culture, Religion, and Pancasila Ideology

Indonesia, with abundant diversity, encompasses a diverse array of ethnicities, cultures, languages, and religions, presenting both advantages and vulnerabilities. Exploiting these diversity and religious factors, extremist groups disrupt national harmony due to a lack of proper understanding of religious doctrine. The escalating intolerance and fanaticism, particularly in Java, Indonesia, pose a clear and imminent threat, resulting in violations of freedom of religion and endangering the preservation of cultural diversity. To delve into these issues and underscore the significance of countering religious extremism, this study employs a qualitative research methodology. The study's findings encompass four key discussions: the disruption of culture caused by religious extremism, the utilization of the Javanese cultural value "tepa selira" to promote religious tolerance, the understanding of religious values and tolerance as fundamental elements for fostering peace amidst diversity, and the instilling Pancasila values to prevent religious extremism. In conclusion, effective measures to counter religious extremist ideologies involve promoting tolerance in education, reinforcing Pancasila's values, empowering societal figures, and fostering collaboration between the government, law enforcement agencies, and individuals. These efforts should focus on instilling peaceful religious guidance and embracing the principles of Pancasila throughout the Indonesian people, thereby effectively preventing the proliferation of religious extremism.

Social Strategies of Terrorism

Terrorism poses a significant challenge to societies worldwide, employing various social strategies to achieve political objectives, disseminate ideologies, and recruit new members. This article explores the social strategies utilized by terrorist organizations, focusing on radicalization, propaganda dissemination, support network formation, exploitation of social cleavages, the role of charismatic leaders, and the use of intimidation to create fear and uncertainty. By examining the process of radicalization, the article highlights the significance of personal grievances, psychological vulnerabilities, and exposure to extremist ideologies, as well as the importance of social networks in facilitating connections and access to extremist content. The article also investigates how terrorist organizations use propaganda to advance their objectives, justify violence, promote shared identity, and vilify perceived enemies. The establishment of support networks that provide financial and logistical assistance, embedded within local communities, and the exploitation of social divisions and grievances to mobilize support and recruit new members are discussed. The role of charismatic leaders in inspiring followers, cultivating shared identity, and projecting an image of strength and defiance is examined. The article emphasizes the need for counterterrorism efforts to address these social strategies, including initiatives aimed at countering extremist ideologies, disrupting support networks, and promoting community engagement and resilience-building measures. Through an analysis of scientific research and expert insights, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of the social dynamics underpinning terrorism and informs the development of effective counterterrorism measures.

‘When militias go ‘rogue’: explaining anti-government extremism in so-called ‘pro-nation-state’ militias in the United States of America and Ukraine

ABSTRACT Polarization, populism, and animosity amongst political parties, movements, and societies across Europe and North America has led to an increase in violent extremism in recent years. Groups and individuals motivated by extremist ideology have launched violent attacks against democratic institutions, murdered elected representatives, and bombed government buildings. Militia organizations with a pro-state orientation have also been involved in anti-government extremist violence and terrorism against their own governments. Despite being pro-nation-state, some of these militias now have an anti-government agenda leading to an awkward relationship with the state as a diverse actor encompassing both the government and other state institutions. How can we explain the shift in pro-nation-state militias from pro to anti-government extremism? Using contemporary case studies from both the United States of America and Ukraine, this article will propose that ideological de-alignment between the government and the militia group leads to pro-state militias becoming anti-government. Furthermore, the article will argue that bargaining processes relating to power and control between pro-state militias and governments can lead to these militias exhibiting anti-government extremist behaviour.

Learning to Avoid Extremism

AbstractDemocracies are calling on schools to respond to a rise in extremist ideologies and actions. In this article Sigal Ben‐Porath situates the rise in extremism within the broader context of political polarization. She suggests that the latter is a more appropriate target for school intervention than the former. She further suggests that addressing polarization can result in a reduction in extremism, and that polarization can be addressed by refocusing the use of existing teaching and learning tools, rather than by instituting new forms of intervention such as the Prevent strategy used in the UK. Tackling polarization through media literacy and the development of democratic habits can help rectify false beliefs, which contribute both to broad political polarization and to individuals' slide toward extremism. Focusing on strengthening knowledge as well as social ties can fortify individuals' and communities' resilience against extremism, as well as build bridges and connect people to a sense of shared fate across political divides. These practices are more effective and more justified than targeting individual students who are suspected of holding radical beliefs.