Javed Qureshi
The best way to understand radicalization is as a process of change, a transition from one condition to another on a personal and political level. Recent academics contend that becoming radicalised is, for the majority of people, a long process that calls for moving through discrete stages and doesn’t happen quickly or easily. So, a person does not suddenly become a radical, though the impact of a potential “catalyst event” may quicken the process. According to a number of studies in the literature, the radicalization process is divided into distinct and observable stages, which show the progression from early engagement to operational activity. Various Studies have uncovered a variety of models of religious radicalization that are made up of distinct and recognisable stages and that show the progression from early participation to operational activity. One approach to think of radicalization is as a gradual ascent along a pyramidal-type paradigm, where higher levels are linked to increasing levels of radicalization but lower numbers of participants. Active terrorists (Tier 4, those who are actively breaking the law) are at the top of the pyramid, yet they are still relatively small in number as compared to everyone who might share their ideologies and sentiments. This larger group is located on the lower floor (Tier 3 – moving towards extremism). They may act as an inspiration to people from below while giving covert support to those at the top of the pyramid without really engaging in any violent behaviour themselves (at Tier 2). All people who are thought to be “susceptible” to being persuaded by these signals are gathered at this lower level in a much larger group. Young persons involved in the criminal justice system are one such category. The “wider community” is at the base of the pyramid, but it is unclear from the model how large this grouping actually is (i.e., whether “community” serves as an anodyne synonym for “society” or a more significant grouping stratified by some category of faith, such as the “Muslim community” etc.). Radicalization, seen from this pyramidal perspective, is the gradient separating the active terrorist from the larger base of sympathisers.
A few actionable steps that can be taken to counter to prevent incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crimes, and counter and respond to such incitement when it occurs, are as organising social media and operating in a social media context training for religious leaders, particularly female religious leaders. For lay leaders of religious communities, strategic communication training is provided with the goal of reducing hate speech and the inciting of violence and providing counterarguments. As with the curricula for the training of teachers, law enforcement officers, and others, religious community managers and faith-based school managers should be educated on the history and prevention of atrocity crimes wherever possible. To prevent and combat the radicalization of adolescents and violent extremism within a larger framework, develop thorough guidelines for education stakeholders, including faith-based educators. Enhance religion leaders’ abilities to interact with young people who are at risk of becoming radicalised. Bring together national religious leaders with the intention of meeting with national education ministries to argue for the inclusion and value of diversity and equality in school curricula. While stressing the significance of respecting all religions and religious beliefs, openly challenge religious exclusivity in an effort to forge shared understandings on crucial issues related to the prevention and suppression of hate speech, violence provocation, and radicalization. Encourage other religious leaders to abandon the idea of exclusivity through agreement and acknowledge that everyone, regardless of their faith or believe, has a place in the public realm Encourage interreligious discussion so that all viewpoints can be heard. Encourage cooperation amongst faiths and convictions on all social concerns important to communities, especially through cooperative actions. As they are more suited to serve as brokers between religious and cultural ideas, local religious leaders and communities should be encouraged to play this role. Encourage religious leaders to publicly support religious movements other than their own, both individually and collectively, and to engage in discourse with, as opposed to excluding, people who hold radical and extreme ideas.
Work with political leaders to establish a yearly “week of mutual respect” at the national level, following the Dutch example. To notify them of the Treviso meeting and its conclusions, jointly convene religious leaders with local and national public officials and political leaders. Ask for protection for religious leaders who may be in danger and keep security officials informed of any risks religious leaders may face if they speak out or take action against violent extremism, the radicalization of youth, or in response to “hate speech,” xenophobia, racism, or incitement to violence. Use justifications from their own religious traditions to argue with radicalised people online (especially on Twitter, where the action is most intense). Use the reverse engineering approach in this situation (target those who have the most questions as well as those who claim to know and interpret the Holy Scriptures and religious messages correctly). Speak up in person and online while using “passionate moderation.” Religious leaders should not and cannot choose to remain silent. Participate in social media discussions about how to create effective advertisements for problematic content. Provide spiritual counselling both online and offline, especially to individuals who are at risk of radicalization or have already joined extremist organisations. Create or improve websites that provide religious and spiritual commentary on topics with current relevance. To mobilise people, create Facebook pages about or for particular crises or topics. You can also build a network of allies to plan out your strategy. provide a weekly roundup of tweets and feeds on Twitter. In conclusion it can be said that countering radicalization is an ongoing process and not a one-time measure. The actions and activities undertaken for these must be continuous and the affected individuals must be monitored over time.
