The
Role of Technology and Innovation In countering Extremism and Terrorism
By SADIA WALI
The world is experiencing
complex challenges, such as violent extremism, identity-based conflicts, and
cultural and religious constraint. Ethnonationalism, racism, discrimination
against minority groups, religious extremism, and violations of human rights
are the cause of an increasing number of local and regional conflicts across
the world. Combating extremism and radicalism has become a challenging
task for the global states due to the varying nature of conflicts. Extremism is a complicated phenomenon that is widely analyzed and explored
by academic scholars and researchers. Terrorism and extremism are perceived
diversely, in different societies, and communities hold both positive and
negative connotations regarding the concept of extremism and radicalism.
According to Bjørgo and
Horgan, 1 reflects upon
the fundamental cause of violence in society. They explicate that if someone
has radical views related to any issue. It does not necessarily mean that
radial thinking triggers aggressive or violent behavior or provokes an
individual to join an extremist group. It is observed that the most extremist,
negative and complicated behavior develops due to persisting social issues in
society. Many people are influenced by fundamental and ideological beliefs that
force them to commit violent acts 1,
2.
Similarly, some other scholars stated that the conception of
'radicalization refers to an individual mindset and thinking to adopt an
extremist set of beliefs and aspirations that may instigate them to commit
terrorist acts. Particularly, young people involved with political or religious
groups become more vulnerable to radicalization. Consequently, encountering
various external factors including personal and family issues, and distressing,
spouse relationships aggravate violent behavior. Social, and economic reasons such as poverty, famine, and rising
inflation have led to extreme violent acts. Furthermore, political, cultural,
and historical factors cause young individuals to join terrorist organizations.3 According to different experiences as stated
by people who got involved with terrorist activities, they were brainwashed and
persuaded by political and religious organizations to join their company. As
their purpose is to eradicate injustice and bring prosperity to the country 4. Though these
justifications indicate some underlying issues that trigger violence and
extremism in society.
Social and Economic
Conditions Leading to Extremism and Violence in World Societies
According to the existing report of the United Nations Special
Rapporteur on the protection of human rights, countering terrorism states that
there are no single grounds causes that give rise to radicalization and violent
extremism. There are broad categories that constitute increasing acts of
terrorism. It includes lingering economic crisis, socio-economic, ethnic,
cultural, and racial discrimination, poor governance, poverty, lack of social
injustice, violations of human rights; prolonged and unresolved conflicts; and
radicalization in prisons.
·
Deep-rooted social inequalities
It is essential to analyze the root causes of social exclusion and
discrimination that triggers violent behavior and attitude in individual and
society as a whole. The lingering social
issues including massive poverty, unemployment, and lack of social justice have
caused social instabilities in societies. According to the UNDP Report of 2017 5 states that economic
unsustainability has resulted in a rising poverty scale, unemployment, and
limited income opportunities for young people. It is a growing concern among
the states that many young brilliant educated individuals are without jobs.
Meierrieks further emphasized that
many of them are not engaged with meaningful or resourceful jobs according to
their educational requirements. This is a rising plight among the youth that fuels
them with grievances and discontentment. Developing sheer hopelessness of a
better future leads to frustration that results in radicalization and violent
extremism 5.
Supporting this argument Ikejiaku expounded that when desperate young people could no longer meet their necessities of life, it creates resentment and aggressive behavior.6 While other scholars, Gries, Krieger, and Meierrieks conducted a study of the connection between economic growth and rates of terrorism in seven European States. Their research concluded that the prevailing economic deprivation and social injustice are significant causes that lead to extremely violent acts. In many underdeveloped societies, lack of inadequate and low-quality educational facilities also trigger young people to get involved in anti-social activities comprising violent crimes. Moreover, unemployed young people use drugs heavily. The rate of drug addiction has substantially increased. Consequently, drug addicts either join violent extremist groups or individuals get entangled with serious violent crimes.
·
Socio-economic, ethnic,
cultural, and racial injustice
Downgrading and discrimination in society are recognized as major
factors that drive violent extremism among people 7 identified some
case studies that forced individuals to partake in violent activities.
Belonging to a marginalized group in society, community people faced racial
injustice and lack of social rights that creates social discrimination. Furthermore,
job opportunities, barriers to regional development, and freedom of religion
also fuel resentment. The prevailing socio-economic inequalities and
deprivations provoke
minds towards anti-social and violent behavior.7
Additionally, many underdeveloped civil societies, such as
transitioning states that are formed by authoritarian regimes are unable to sufficiently
channel people's freedom of expression and sentiments. Such societies tend to
suppress individual voices to protest against injustice, to raise voice their
social freedom, or speak the truth. Authoritative societies prevent the
opportunity for both majority and minority groups to stand up for their social
rights in a peaceful manner.
Mostly peaceful social communities desire to promote freedom of
expression in a constructive way such as by using their voices to convey passion
and educate people against prevailing social and ethnic injustice, articulate social
values, and facilitate dialogue and productive engagement. The power of speech is
used to create change and encourage other voices to unite and support each
other. These positive acts help to
create awareness of the right to integrity and avoid conflict in society.
However, when people are denied their legal rights or disempowered by a society
that makes them believe socially and intellectually inferior. Such racial and
social differences may lead to frustration and antipathy, prompting
people to adopt violent ways to resolve social conflicts 8.
·
Ineffective governance
and violations of human rights
Other prevalent causes of terrorism are issues related to maladministration,
abuse of power, misrule, and violations of human rights in a democratic state.
According to UNDP
Report,8 incompetency of governance
combined with democracy discrepancies, corruption, bribery, nepotism, and
unlawful behavior of state officials or agents adversely affect the public at
large. Ineffectual government laws, oppressive policies, and practices prevent justice
and implementation of the rule of law in the state. Moreover, the absence of laws
on respect and promoting human rights has led to social and racial discrimination
in society. It is observed that many underdeveloped states have failed to
promulgate laws to observe
human rights fairly. Poorly executed laws unable to break the poverty trap have
further created social and racial distinctions based on race, color, sex,
language, and religious discrimination. The
lack of human rights violations on the regional level has instigated violent extremist
religious and political groups to exploit the state to use domination and
aggression. Consequently,
it has caused threats to national sovereignty, national unity, and territorial
integrity. Moreover, the denial to recognize the social rights of people has
further increased grievances and resentment in people.
General Assembly report further illustrates that serious crimes related
to sexual and gender-based violence in society are also part of violations of
human rights laws. Such series acts of
violation provoke people to stand up and protest against injustice in society. 8
The Role of the International
Community in Initiating Peace Process
FROM A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE
TO A CULTURE OF PEACE, The UN Declaration on a Culture of Peace and
Non-Violence states that the recognition
of equal and undeniable human rights is the foundation of freedom, justice, and
peace in the world. World peace emphasizes the state's respect and promotes universal
values of respect for human lives, liberty, justice, solidarity, tolerance, and
equality in society. Using the core values
of justice, democracy, non-violence, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, the
international community should rethink and design new modalities to manage racial
disputes,
conflict prevention, and post-conflict peace-building procedures.
These peacemaking efforts focusing on good governance, the rule of
law, sustainable development, respect for human rights, and fulfilling economic
and social marginalization should be promulgated at regional, national, and
international levels. 9
Consequently, the program
of Action adopted by the General Assembly aims to promote a culture of peace in
the region. The program is based on eight principles such as education for
peace, the promotion of sustainable economic and social development, respect
for human rights, and equality in society, democratic participation, tolerance,
and arms reduction.9
UNESCO’s cultural policy has raised 9 worldwide awareness about the importance of intercultural
dialogue, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable development that benefits
all groups of society. The key objectives of the policy suggest that the member states should
exchange peaceful and, equitable
dialogue with each other. Constructive talks should be based on mutual understanding
and respect to boost social cohesion, and peace reconciliation among nations.
Moreover, democratic states are stirred up to embrace diversity and
interdependence in citizenship-building. They should take up concrete measures that
boost international cooperation at regional and international levels. The initiative
comprises supporting developing countries to utilize their cultural institutions
to train professionals in activities related to the engagement of civil
society. Creating
awareness and educating young individuals regarding intercultural and human
rights education. The awareness program should provide knowledge of, emerging
issues including nurturing linguistic diversity, learning about the concept of
cultural/ intercultural citizenship, and how to boost intercultural competence
and cultural literacy at every level.10
Technological Change Playing a Leading Role in
Sustainable Development of Peace Process and Security in the Region
·
Identify malicious
extremist content posted on social media
Extremism and terrorism, the two global threats have predominantly affected
social cohesion, cultural identities and citizenship, diversity,
and universal values all over the world. The states, governments, and civil
society have taken viable nonviolent solutions to tackle these threats. Since traditional
methods of counter-terrorist activities have become ineffective, the states
have opted to use modern information and communications technologies (ICT) comprising
the Internet, social media platforms, and other communications applications.
With the advent of modern technology, extremist non-state
actors are exploiting emerging technologies for malicious purposes. They spread
propaganda and violence by disseminating destructive content on social media.
Consequently, it has stirred up the state policymakers and tech firms to stay
vigilant and observe the possibility of misusing ICTs for terrorist attacks. The
Security Council has emphasized the member states to pass laws allowing civil
societies, private organizations, and businesses to monitor online content. If
lawmakers encounter any such biased extremist content posted on social media,
strict action is required to prevent the spreading of terrorist content on
online platforms. For this purpose, the states are motivated to use ICT to
combat terrorist purposes. Digital tools employing machine learning
algorithms have assisted organizations in searching and eliminating biased and
objectionable content on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media channels.11
·
Surveillance technology
like drones, and biometric scanners track potential threats
The installation of biometric scanners at law enforcement
agencies, state borders, and airport checkpoints helps to detect terrorist
plots and adopt strong security measures to prevent them. Artificial intelligence (AI) 11 data analytics and
machine learning using AI and data analytics are highly resourceful
surveillance and investigative tools that empower communities to counterattack
violence. Moreover, these cutting-edge techniques evaluate online conversations
and social media posts generated by extremist groups. The tools help protect people
who might get involved with extremist organizations and plan terrorist activities.
Moreover, 12
AI technology tools including drones, scanners, and sensors are used for surveillance, and data
analysis. The sensors are linked to a cloud-based program that accurately identifies
and locates gunshots of terrorist groups. The sensors can record the timing and
sound of gunshots. Consequently, the overall information including the specific
location of the gunshot, is then sent to police headquarters that assist them
in searching the shooter’s location. The required information from AI tools comes
as a pop-up notice on a computer or mobile screen.12
Another significant AI tool that has effectively helped to deal with terrorism and extremism is the usage of blockchain-based solutions. 13 Blockchain technology helps to monitor the monetary transactions of extremist groups. AI technology helps law enforcement agencies to block the accounts and businesses of radical groups that prevent them from having access to money and resources. Blockchain technology also helps agencies in the exclusion and propagation of extremist content from websites and social media sites. AI technology assists the peace enforcement teams in promptly taking action to curb violence and aggression occurring in the region.13
·
Peace operations
conducted through unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles(UUAV)
The aerial vehicle comprising
monitoring systems, motion detectors, and satellite imagery are helpful for law
enforcement agencies in detecting threatening surroundings. For instance, UN peace
operations have integrated this technology to get significant data collection
regarding criminal activities, and protection and monitoring of civilians'
life. Moreover, they use the vehicle to execute their peace operations in the
region.14
·
Networking through Mobile phones and social media
· UNDP implemented a Conflict Prevention program using new technologies
·
UNDP implemented a Conflict Prevention program
using new technologies
Review of UN Peace Operations Report (2014) established
peacekeeping forces and experts to use technology and innovation to execute UN peacekeeping initiatives. The report
underlines the need for member states to work in collaboration to deal with the
abuse of ICT on websites and social media. With cooperation, the states can come up with
better solutions that safeguard human rights, and increase awareness of
fundamental freedoms. Moreover, the report suggests that world states should incorporate
new technologies to carry out their developmental and peace-building
strategies. For this purpose, the Security Council initiated a public-private
partnership known as Tech against Terrorism. The partnership will provide technical
assistance to new companies and larger corporations. People can use social
media for video sharing and sending messages to tackle violence on a larger
platform. Moreover, communities will be provided with capacity-building
resources.14
Recap
The promotion of non-violence and peace is not just about
the absence of war. It is not an end or final goal, but a process. It is about
creating an enabling environment for promoting peaceful social change through
advocacy, knowledge sharing, and networking that increase tolerance and
encourage conflict prevention. The speedy transition from a culture of war to a culture of peace
seems a challenging task for states. It requires them to engage in peaceful dialogues that prevent aggression and intolerance in society.
The world developed states have summoned the international
community to participate in global efforts to prevent and combat the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction. They should take collective action to fight
against violent extremism. The citizens are empowered to learn peacebuilding skills to assist the state in promoting conflict
prevention measures and promoting values of compassion and tolerance in
society. Additionally, the states are utilizing new
technologies to manage conflict at all levels. Technological tools including data
collection, crowdsourcing, and social networking through
mobile phones and social media have helped to manage cross-cultural exchanges and
tackle extremism and terrorist acts at regional and international levels.
With mutual cooperation,
the world states can safeguard their common values and protect societies all
from all sorts of violence, leading towards a safer and sustainable world!
“Let us join hands to accept differences and to end violence. No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive” - #MahatmaGandhi
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Countering Extremism and Terrorism: March 27, 2023 By Nadir Ali: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/03/27/the-role-of-technology-and-innovation-in-countering-extremism-and-terrorism/
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