Nournews: This move reflects the global community’s deep concern over the spread of terrorism and underscores the necessity of comprehensive collaboration among civil institutions, governments, and the international community to address the root causes of this scourge. Violent extremism, like smoldering embers, cannot be extinguished solely through security measures. It requires addressing underlying factors such as social inequality, systemic discrimination, and resource mismanagement. In this context, civil society organizations including NGOs serve as a vital bridge between governments and communities, playing a critical role in prevention and reduction of harm and rebuilding trust.
What is violent extremism, and how does It lead to terrorism?
Violent extremism conducive to terrorism refers to the systematic use of violence or terrorist acts to advance radical ideologies, often aimed at instilling fear, destabilizing societies, and forcing political or social change. This phenomenon combines two key elements:
1. Extremism: The adoption of beliefs, ideologies, or narratives that fall outside accepted social, political, or religious frameworks, often characterized by intolerance, rejection of dialogue, and refusal to compromise.
2. Violence: The deliberate use of force to harm individuals, groups, or public property to impose demands or intimidate populations.
Violent extremism escalates into terrorism when radical ideologies justify any means—including immoral tactics—to achieve goals, and when groups or individuals view violence as the only path to change. Hate propaganda against specific communities (religious, ethnic, or political) intensifies this cycle, framing violence as a sacred duty.
The global consequences of violent extremism
The fallout of violent extremism transcends borders, triggering crises that threaten peace, security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law worldwide. Terrorism erodes social cohesion by fueling fear, mistrust, and polarization. For example, it is reported that in African nations like Mali and Nigeria, extremist attacks on villages have not only claimed civilian lives but also deepened ethnic tensions, disrupting local economic cooperation and perpetuating cycles of violence. Also it is reported that in Somalia, Al-Shabaab’s targeting of energy infrastructure has caused widespread blackouts, paralyzing economic activity. A 2019 UN Development Program report estimated that terrorism cost Africa $119 billion in economic losses between 2007 and 2016.
In addition to immense financial losses, violations of civil rights—such as arbitrary arrests, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression—often intensify in response to security threats. In the Philippines, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” policy, reportedly carried out under the pretext of combating communist insurgents and extremist groups, led to widespread human rights violations and the deaths of thousands of civilians.
Violence and terrorism have displaced millions of people worldwide. In Syria alone, more than 13 million people were forced to flee their homes due to the civil war and the presence of terrorist groups such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other extremist factions. These displaced individuals often ended up in temporary camps, facing severe shortages of food, drinking water, and healthcare services. Furthermore, many were forced into illegal migration, leaving their homeland behind.
Why does extremism take root?
Understanding the drivers of violent extremism requires a multidimensional lens, examining political, economic, and social factors such as poverty and inequality, systemic discrimination, poor governance and corruption, foreign intervention and conflict, and digital radicalization.
Marginalized youth in underdeveloped regions—such as Pakistan’s tribal areas—are reported to be vulnerable to recruitment by groups like the Pakistani Taliban, which exploit economic despair with promises of financial support. The marginalization of ethnic and religious minorities reinforces feelings of injustice and the perception of being victims of systemic discrimination. In Myanmar, it is reported that the systematic repression of the Rohingya Muslim community by the Buddhist-led government has driven some young individuals toward extremist militant groups with close ties to al-Qaeda.
Poor governance and corruption fuel violent extremism by deepening inequality and eroding trust in institutions. It is also reported that systemic corruption in oil revenue distribution fuels disillusionment, enabling groups like Boko Haram to recruit under the guise of fighting state corruption.
The rise of extremism is driven by war, foreign intervention, and intelligence operations. Tensions between nations and destructive policies often fuel violent extremism. In Afghanistan, foreign military presence and internal conflicts empowered the Taliban and ISIS-Khorasan, while in post-2011 Syria, regional and international actors supported extremist groups through funding and resources, prolonging the war.
Additionally, the internet and social media have become powerful recruitment tools. ISIS, through professional propaganda, lured thousands of young Europeans and Asians to Syria and Iraq, following in al-Qaeda’s footsteps. Radical religious leaders continue to exploit these platforms to spread extremist ideologies, affecting not only conflict zones but also other parts of the world.
The role of civil society organizations: From theory to action
NGOs, with their flexibility, innovation, and direct connection to communities, can play a crucial role in preventing extremism. Education and youth empowerment, conflict resolution, psychological support for victims, and human rights monitoring are essential areas where NGOs can take significant steps to help societies address extremism and violence.
Many NGOs are involved in programs focused on youth development, community engagement, and counter-extremism initiatives. One prominent organization in this area is the Against Violent Extremism (AVE) network. This global network works to combat violent extremism by empowering young people, fostering intercommunity dialogue, and promoting education. By connecting activists, survivors of extremism, and local communities, AVE strengthens cooperation and dialogue, utilizing media and digital platforms to counter extremist propaganda and create positive alternatives for youth.
Another example of a successful organization in conflict resolution is Search for Common Ground (SFCG), an international NGO based in the United States that operates in over 30 countries. Its primary mission is to reduce conflicts, promote peace, and resolve disputes through dialogue and constructive engagement between different groups. In Nigeria, SFCG has implemented programs to ease tensions between Muslims and Christians. In Myanmar, it has worked to reduce ethnic and religious conflicts between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims. In Afghanistan, it has launched initiatives to prevent youth recruitment by extremist and violent groups. SFCG employs innovative tools such as media, education, and local participatory programs to shift perspectives and build bridges between conflicting groups.
Violent extremism is not an isolated threat but a symptom of deeper societal fractures. Combating it demands holistic strategies that address root causes while amplifying the voices of peacebuilders—from religious leaders to grassroots activists. As the UN resolution emphasizes, terrorism cannot be tied to any religion, ethnicity, or civilization. Only through inclusive cooperation can we dismantle the narratives of hate and build resilient societies.
By Seyyed Reza Qazvini
NOURNEWS