Extremism and Radicalisation

Key Definitions:

Radicalisation: A process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.

Extremism: Holding extreme political or religious views.

Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation to bring about political or social change.

EXTREMISM and TERRORISM

Extremists can take many forms such as those linked to Far Right / Neo Nazi / White Supremacist, Al Qaeda ideologies and Animal Rights movements.

Not all extremist groups are religious in nature.

Many extremists are not terrorists. Having extreme thoughts or beliefs is not a crime.

However, using unlawful force or threats to support a belief or ideology is, as it encouraging others to act on those beliefs.

WHITE SUPREMACY

White supremacy is a racist belief that lighter-skinned or ‘white’ people are naturally superior to people of other races.

• The view that white people are superior and should be dominant over other races is a form of extremism.
• Violence inspired by white supremacist belief can be considered right-wing terrorism.
• A process whereby somebody comes to support extremist ideologies and related terrorist acts is a process of radicalisation.

WHY MIGHT PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN TERRORISM OR VIOLENT EXTREMISM?

Possible reasons may include:

• A lack of identity, purpose or sense of belonging
• Anger and/or injustice regarding the treatment of a person’s culture or beliefs
• A lack of understanding of religion and/or cultures
• Influence or pressure from extremist groups, including social media
• Poverty, unemployment, lack of education and the promise of a better life.

PREVENT

Prevent is part of the Government’s Counter-terrorism Strategy

The aim of prevent is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism

STUDENT ROLE

• Speak to a member of the Carlisle College safeguarding team if you suspect a fellow student is becoming radicalised.
• Report extremist groups on social media.
• Help fellow students feel more included.

SUPPORTING BRITISH VALUES

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs