Extremism: Causes

Question 1

Social causes of extremism

Answer 1

Ideological beliefs, religious radicalisation, peer pressure

Question 2

Political causes of extremism

Answer 2

Nationalism, government repression, political retaliation

Question 3

Economic causes of extremism

Answer 3

Poverty/deprivation, unemployment, corrupt government

Question 4

Ideological beliefs example

Answer 4

Extinction rebellion promotes non-violent, civil disobedience, but there are some eco-activist splinter groups that have resorted to extremist violence to further their cause

Question 5

Religious radicalisation example

Answer 5

In recent years, attacks inspired by the Islamic jihadist group ISIS have become commonplace

Question 6

Peer pressure example

Answer 6

Groups on social media such as the proud boys recruit people by employing a sense of loyalty and brotherhood

Question 7

Nationalism example

Answer 7

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) is an extremist group with the goal of a United Ireland

Question 8

Government repression example

Answer 8

Civil unrest in Syria that grew out of discontent with the president led to a civil war

Question 9

Political retaliation example

Answer 9

Vienna 2020 shooting, a gunman with connections to ISIS carried out a series of shootings in Vienna, killing 4 people and injuring 23

Question 10

Poverty/deprivation example

Answer 10

Following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, economic conditions have worsened, leading to people being more susceptible for recruitment from extremist organisations such as ISIS

Question 11

Unemployment example

Answer 11

Militant groups in the Sahel such as JNIM have grown by targeting disenfranchised youth

Question 12

Corrupt government example

Answer 12

A corrupt government in Syria has led to individuals, especially young men, being more susceptible to recruitment from extremist organisations such as ISIS