Extremism: A Psychological Reading

Abstract

The issue of extremism represents one of the main concerns in modern societies. It is a daily life issue deeply rooted in the structural framework of visions, ideals, and ideologies accepted by society. Extremist thought, like any cognitive construct, is a social phenomenon that both influences and is influenced by other phenomena. It is closely linked to historical, political, religious, social, economic, and other conditions that societies face. The challenges to intellectual security are numerous and varied, including internal and external factors, as well as shared influences between them. Intellectual invasion, ideological and psychological warfare, media influence, the information explosion, the rise of extremist groups, and economic, political, and social conditions are all real challenges to intellectual security in Islamic societies. Therefore, intellectual deviation is not only a legal and religious crime but also harms the creed of the Islamic nation. It serves as a means to spread heresies and discord among Muslims, distorting the true image of Islam, which is characterized by moderation and balance, far from extremism and excess.  When examining extremism among youth, it is evident that it stems from numerous and diverse causes, including psychological, social, political, and economic factors. The cause of extremism may also be personal, related to the characteristics of the youth themselves, their psychological makeup, their social upbringing, family relationships, peer groups, and the social environment they live in, which may be marked by value contradictions or stark disparities between their reality and their aspirations. The lack of a clear future vision further exacerbates the issue. Extremism is a global phenomenon that encompasses the entire world and is as old as humanity itself. It has social, political, religious, and psychological dimensions, making it a complex phenomenon. Therefore, its diagnosis and treatment should not be confined to a single perspective, no matter how important it may seem. 

Research Aims : The current research aims to identify: 

1. 1. The concept of extremism
2. 2. The causes of extremism
3. 3. The effects of extremism
4. 4. The forms of extremism
5. 5. The manifestations of extremism
6. 6. The psychological components of extremism
7. 7. Theoretical explanations of extremism
8. 8. Youth and extremism
9. 9. A psychological reading of extremism

The psychological reading of extremism reveals that youth are highly sensitive to the organic, psychological, and intellectual changes occurring within them, as well as the social and political changes in their reality. They are also affected by sweeping political transformations, rapid social and civilizational changes, and ideological shifts. This leads to confusion and crises among youth as they search for identity and meaning in their existence, often feeling alienated or responding in extreme ways. The prevailing collective climate plays a significant role in shaping identity. Additionally, youth in the university stage may either have discovered themselves, achieved their identity, and integrated into adult society, or they may remain plagued by feelings of failure, facing the crisis of this period and feeling lost, unsure of what they truly want or how they are perceived by others, resulting in an identity crisis.