Daily Times

Radicalisation is change in belief, feeling, or behaviour towards increased support for intergroup conflict. Terrorism is the worst outcome of radicalisation. People are not born radical; unjust practices, social or political alienation and personal experiences radicalise them. In the prevailing era, the phenomenon of radicalisation is widespread. The developing as well as the developed world is encountering irrational wrath of radical forces. Some view abject poverty coupled with social or political isolation as prime causes of radicalisation, while there are also instances where the educated and the elite have also resorted to violence. In most of the cases, the radical has faced some form of unjust behaviour or discrimination that makes him susceptible to extreme views. The extremist being well aware of sensitivities of the deprived individual exploit the weaknesses of the system.

According to Marc Sageman Counter Terrorism Practitioner’s Radicalisation Model, the radicalisation process involves four stages: pre-radicalisation, self-identification, indoctrination, and extremism. In the pre-radicalisation stage, the individual lives an ordinary life and has not yet accepted the radical ideology. In the self-identification stage, the individual begins to explore the extremist ideology. In the indoctrination stage, adherence to radical views is intensified, usually under the direction of an ideological leader. Finally, in the extremism stage, the individual willingly accepts and carries out the assigned task. Therefore, an extremist can be indoctrinated to become a terrorist. The main propelling factors behind radicalisation could be public’s lack of trust in political leadership or institutions, unjust practices, social isolation and economic deprivation. Class differences like backward versus modern, illiterate versus civilised and staunch, religious versus open-minded polarise a society.

The conflict between various social classes is detrimental to societal peace and it hugely contributes towards radicalism. Unemployment is also a major factor behind young people’s frustration; many unemployed young people feel that they are left with no other option but to revolt. In a region like FATA, where radicalisation is at its peak, not many employment opportunities exist. Political and vested use of religion has prompted extremism. To completely eliminate radicalism, a holistic policy with focus on human security is required. This can be pursued through a de-radicalisation and rehabilitation strategy. The two-pronged policy should focus on preventing naive individuals from getting radicalised and those who are radicalised to be rehabilitated. Education can play a significant role in this regard. The focus of education should be on nation state, citizenship, social and cultural harmony, individual and civic obligation and self-confidence. In addition, socio-economic equity is also an important factor in maintaining harmony at the societal level.

Radicalism is also promoted through regional conflicts. The prevalent environment is plagued with terrorism. While, on the other hand, the economic cooperation and regionalism has introduced a new trend in international politics. States through economic maneuvering try to reinforce their ingress, and economic diplomacy and regionalism are the order of the day.

In view of the prevailing trends, South Asia is the least integrated region of the world. The region accounts for only three percent of world GDP, and nearly 40 percent of its inhabitants live on less than $1.25 per day. Besides, the region faces challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, whereas increased inequalities is another threat to region’s growth and prosperity. Pakistan-India bilateral disputes, the Cold War politics, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and terrorism have impacted the politico-security architecture of South Asia. In the context of Pakistan-India bilateral disputes, regional countries have failed to find amicable solutions. The antagonism and distrust continues to haunt the existing bilateral ties. As a result of failed ventures, extremist tendencies on both sides of the border have been reinforced.

China’s interest in the development of Gwadar is to secure its economic interests. China’s enhanced regional role is an optimistic move in the backdrop of economic incentives and regional integration. On the other hand, the regional players wary of China’s growth would try to limit China’s participation in Pakistan’s economic pursuits. This power game could prove to be detrimental for the regional peace. It may also reinforce the insinuations of mistrust among the regional countries.

To counter radical forces, the SAARC states need to be united against terrorism, ensure security and stability of the region, and reap the benefits of energy connectivity and cooperation. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will constitute energy transfer and is central to the progress of the region. Regional integration projects like Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar, Central Asia South Asia, Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India should also be pursued.

The writer is an assistant research officer at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute