CC209 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Islamic Extremism, Counter-Terrorism, Radicalization
Document Summary
Following the events of 9/11, discussions about the causes of terrorism were largely ignored on the assumption that there could be no explanation beyond the evil of the perpetrators. Simplistic understanding supported by new terrorism theiss (terrorism rooted in fanaticism) Evil of terrorism justified deprivations of the so-called war on terror. After transit bombings in madrid (2004) and london (2005) various governments began to explore whether other approaches to terrorism could be more effective than the crude strategy of capture and kill. The concept of radicalization emerged as a vehicle for policy-makers to explore the processes that generate terrorist. Radicalization provided the analytical foundation for preventative strategies. Through the concept of radicalization discussions regarding the political, economic, social, and psychological conditions that generate terrorism became possible. Theories of radicalization were perceived to be the more sophisticated and liberal approach to the so-called war on terrorism.
