| PYQ Relevance: Q) Religious indoctrination via social media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country? (UPSC CSE 2015) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Religious indoctrination (2015), and ‘tolerance, assimilation and pluralism ’ (2022).
When the Taliban seized power on August 15, 2021, despite an Islamic State attack killing 13 U.S. troops and $7.1 billion in U.S. weaponry left behind, global powers like the U.S., China, and Russia engaged with the Taliban. The West rationalized this as a move to curb terrorism and support women’s and minorities’ rights, prioritizing pragmatism over democracy.
Today’s editorial talks about radicalism around the world and its impact on democratic values. This content will be helpful in substantiation the answer in GS Mains paper 2 the impact of radicalism around the world.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent surge in radical governments worldwide is a notable trend, reflecting a broader discontent with traditional political systems and a shift towards populism and far-right ideologies.
What factors are contributing to the rise of radical and populist governments globally?
- Political Vacuum and Instability: The collapse of established governments, as seen in Afghanistan and Syria, creates a power vacuum that radical groups exploit. The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan and the recent rise of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) in Syria illustrate how instability can lead to the emergence of radical leadership.
- International Legitimization: Once radical groups seize power, there is often a tendency among global powers to engage with them, legitimizing their authority despite their past actions. The U.S., China, and Russia’s willingness to work with the Taliban post-2021 exemplifies this trend, as they justified engagement as a means to promote stability and human rights.
- Economic Factors: Economic hardship and lack of opportunities can fuel support for radical ideologies. In regions where traditional governance structures fail to provide for citizens, extremist groups may present themselves as viable alternatives.
- Religious and Ethnic Polarization: The rise of religious hate and ethnic divisions contributes to the appeal of radical movements. In Bangladesh, for instance, the resurgence of Islamic radicalism is linked to a backdrop of rising religiophobia against non-Abrahamic religions.
How did the radical governments impact democratic institutions in Syria and Bangladesh?
- Erosion of Democratic Norms: In both Syria and Bangladesh, the rise of radical groups has led to the dismantling of democratic institutions. The HTS’s control over Syria has resulted in authoritarian governance reminiscent of previous regimes, while the military-led government in Bangladesh threatens to undermine democratic processes established since 2008.
- Suppression of Civil Liberties: Radical governments often impose restrictions on freedoms, particularly targeting women and minority rights. The Taliban’s denial of girls’ education and restrictions on women’s rights post-takeover reflect this pattern, while similar threats loom in Bangladesh under military rule.
- Manipulation of Political Discourse: Radical groups often use anti-establishment rhetoric to galvanize support, leading to increased polarization within society. In Bangladesh, extremist factions are attempting to regain influence by attacking minority communities and framing their actions in opposition to India, which complicates national unity.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions: For countries like Bangladesh, reinforcing democratic norms and institutions is crucial. International support should focus on promoting inclusive governance that respects minority rights and prevents the resurgence of extremist ideologies1.
- Engagement with Civil Society: Encouraging dialogue with civil society organizations can help build resilience against radicalization. Empowering grassroots movements that advocate for democracy and human rights can counteract extremist narratives.
- International Cooperation: A coordinated international approach is necessary to address the root causes of radicalization. This includes economic support for development, promoting education, and fostering political stability without legitimizing extremist groups through engagement that overlooks their past actions.
