Extremism, Its Different Types and Influential Factors That Help Shape It

Extremism is a notion which becomes meaningful in democratic and lawful societies. This is sometimes interchangeable with the terms, Fundamentalism and terrorism. It is often said that one who aims to fight against terrorism, must first challenge and overcome extremism. Thus, Analysis of the potentials of extremism in a society is highly articulated. Whereas Fundamentalism intend to bring about changes in sociopolitical system and always work within the regulations of the system, extremist pursue domination over the whole system and consider violence justifiable. At the end of this continuum is terrorism which aims to sabotage the system through military and terroristic deeds.

Extremism is mostly a political rather than sociological notion and refers to individuals who exploit equipment and strategies beyond the laws and regulations of system to protest sociopolitical system. They are the minorities of the society who intend to introduce changes within the accepted principles of the majority of the society. This can be stated through different means namely: a plan, a Discourse and or an ideology. In fact, they diverge from the norms of the society. Nowadays, there are different types of religious extremism which have their roots in social, political and psychological factors. Analyzing extremism can be categorized in 3 ways: doctrine, organization, and action. The following paper intends to analyze extremism in its ideological walks. Furthermore, it will expand upon social factors that highly impact on forming this in the Middle East in particular.