Extremism vs Terrorism
One major global issue that is man-made and causes great concern worldwide is the use of violence by various groups to achieve their goals. Across the globe, whether in democracies or dictatorships, there are certain population segments that feel they are not receiving their deserved rights. In an attempt to gain these rights, they form secret organizations, take up arms, and engage in violent struggles against governments. Such violent struggles often result in significant destruction of property and loss of life. Two terms commonly used to describe acts of violence are extremism and terrorism. These closely related concepts can be confusing, as it may be difficult to distinguish between them. In this article, we will discuss the differences between extremism and terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Terrorism involves using force or violence to commit acts that result in the destruction of property and the loss of innocent lives.
- Extremism refers to political ideologies that oppose moderation or violate accepted societal norms.
- Both extremism and terrorism are global issues that often lead to significant destruction of property and loss of life.
Defining terrorism is a difficult task. Despite years of deliberation, there is still no universally accepted definition. It is surprising that, although everyone recognizes the magnitude and menace of the phenomenon, terrorists for some are champions of the oppressed and deprived. This has prevented the formation of a universally accepted definition of terrorism. However, the situation has changed dramatically since the events of September 11, 2001, and most countries now recognize the use of force or violence to engage in acts that result in the destruction of property and the loss of innocent lives as terrorism. The old adage that the end justifies the means no longer applies to terrorism, and groups that once found moral, political, and even monetary support from other groups and nations are now simply considered terrorists.
Historically, terrorism in one form or another has always been practiced by political organizations, whether in power or in opposition, to further their goals and objectives. History is filled with organizations of various ideologies, from right-wing to left-wing groups, religious groups, and nationalist groups, that have used acts of violence to draw attention to their plight. Terrorism has two main purposes: to create terror in the minds of those considered to be perpetrators of the suppression of a section of the population and to draw the attention of the media and world powers to their plight and organization.
Extremism is a concept that is almost similar in nature to terrorism. In some countries, administrations have started using the term “extremists” for those who engage in acts of violence meant to create terror. However, historically, the term “extremist” has been associated with a political ideology that is in complete opposition to moderation or one that goes against accepted societal norms. There is no doubt that the term extremism has taken on different meanings in today’s context and is a pejorative term no less ambiguous than terrorism.
Difference Between Extremism and Terrorism
- The world is in the grip of a global phenomenon known as terrorism, which results in the loss of property and innocent lives on a much greater scale than even natural calamities.
- Terrorism refers to the use of arms and violence in a secretive and furtive manner to target and kill soft targets and engage in acts that cause the destruction of property.
- Organizations that engage in terrorism are banned by all governments but continue to exist due to moral and monetary support from certain groups of people and countries.
- Extremism refers to a political ideology that opposes moderation or is at least against the norms of society.
- In some countries, local terrorists are now being referred to as extremists.
