Radicalisation among young people can originate from a variety of factors, such as politics, religion, environment, social issues and cultural dynamics.
–Political radicalism: Political radicalism encompasses a spectrum of beliefs and movements that seek to challenge the status quo of political systems or ideologies. Political extremism involves ideologies or movements that reject mainstream political processes and instead pursue their goals through radical and often coercive means. It may include terrorism, violent insurrection or subversion of democratic institutions.
–Religious radicalisation: Young people may become radicalised within religious communities, embracing fundamentalist interpretations of faith and advocating religious purity or supremacy. They may reject secularism or pluralism, adhere to strict religious doctrines and violently oppose moral decadence.
–Environmental radicalisation: Young radicals concerned about environmental degradation and climate change may engage in direct action, protests and civil disobedience to demand urgent action from governments and corporations. In extreme cases, young radicals may adopt militant or extremist tactics in defence of environmental causes, such as sabotage, eco-terrorism or radical conservationism.
–Digital and technological radicalisation: With the rise of digital platforms and social media, young radicals can take advantage of technology to mobilise support, disseminate information and coordinate actions. They may engage in online activism, hacktivism or digital advocacy campaigns to amplify their voices and challenge authority. In extreme cases, young radicals may employ cyber-terrorism or cyber-warfare tactics to disrupt infrastructure, compromise security systems or spread propaganda.
Understanding the various forms of radicalisation among young people based on these factors is essential to developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
