Thwarting violence and extremism

• Published date: 10 February 2023
• Publication title: Bangkok Post

As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of Covid-19, new and ongoing conflicts, as well as the perfect storm of climate change, biodiversity degradation and multiple forms of pollution, we are seeing a growing sense of insecurity and polarisation that increasingly translates into threats to the core fabric of our societies.

The UNDP Human Development Report 2021/2022 highlights that this rising insecurity is not limited to countries with a low Human Development Index (HDI). Even countries with a high HDI show increased levels of anxiety and stress among their populations. The report further highlights how more than six in seven people at the global level were feeling insecure, even before the pandemic struck.

But what is driving this trend towards increased anxiety, stress and insecurity that can lay the foundation for radicalisation and escalate to violence and extremism?

A closer examination of the root causes reveals a complex interplay of socio-political and economic factors, including growing inequality, perceptions of injustice, corruption, discrimination, and the marginalisation of minorities. The additional threats, many human-induced, to our ecosystems, and questions regarding our ability or even commitment to sustainably manage them, add to these causes.

The role of the media in normalising violence and spreading fake news, thereby challenging trust, as well as psychological factors such as alienation and a search for identity, also play a crucial role that can drive radicalisation.

At a global level, member states of the United Nations have acknowledged that extremism has reached a level of threat and sophistication that requires concerted actions that go beyond just military and security measures to counter it.

To truly prevent extremism, addressing its root causes through promoting development, good governance, and human rights is imperative.

Thailand, with the approval by the cabinet in September 2022 by Cabinet of the 'Guidelines on...