This compulsively readable introduction to extremism explains how these ideologies are constructed and how they escalate, offering both historical and contemporary examples
In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, J. M. Berger offers a nuanced introduction to the extremist movements threatening to┬аdestabilize civil societies around the globe.┬аHe explains what extremism is, how extremist ideologies are constructed, and why extremism can escalate into violence. Berger shows that although the ideological content of extremist movements varies widely, there are common structural elements.
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Berger describes the evolution of identity movements and individual and group radicalization, offering case studies and examples such as:
тАв┬аThe destruction of Carthage by the RomansтАФoften called тАЬthe first genocideтАЭ
тАв┬аThe apocalyptic jihadism of Al Qaeda
тАв┬аAmerica's new тАЬalt-rightтАЭ
тАв┬аThe anti-Semitic conspiracy tract The Protocols of the Elders of Zion
Berger, an expert on extremist movements and terrorism, explains that extremism arises from a perception of тАЬus versus them,тАЭ intensified by the conviction that the success of тАЬusтАЭ is inseparable from hostile acts against тАЬthem.тАЭ Extremism differs from ordinary unpleasantnessтАФrun-of-the-mill hatred and racismтАФby its sweeping rationalization of an insistence on violence. If we understand its causes and the common elements of its movements, Berger says, we will be more effective in countering it.