Explaining the Impact of Extremist Groups in the UK After 9/11

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify definitions of extremism, its forms, and the reasons for its emergence in societies. In addition to the roots of extremism in the three religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This research studies the role and effects of the 9/11 attacks on the United States as a turning point in modern history and a link between extremism, violence, and global jihad. Al Qaeda as a paradigm.  This study uses the descriptive narrative method to describe the characteristics and origins of Islamic extremism and study the attributes of far-right British extremist groups in the UK as a study case. The narrative approach is selected because it is often used to understand individuals and groups better and describe a phenomenon.  This study will prove the extent to which extremism directly affects societies and individuals.  It also will reveal that extremism often flourishes in environments characterized by social and economic disparities, political instability, ideological polarization, and undemocratic governments. Moreover, the role played by electronic platforms and social networking sites, in addition to mosques and religious sermons, works to facilitate the spread of extremism. Extremist ideologies emerge as a worrying contemporary challenge. The thesis emphasizes the importance of precise and context-specific strategies to combat extremism, emphasizing the need for collaboration between governments, civil society, and technology providers. In conclusion, this research contributes to the academic understanding of extremism, provides a general knowledge of its motivations, and gives recommendations to face it. By comprehensively addressing the root causes and manifestations of extremism, it advocates for holistic approaches that foster inclusivity, education, and social cohesion as essential components in mitigating the impact of extremist ideologies on global society.