Context

• The nearly three-year-old war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East have overshadowed other global instances of violence, especially those perpetrated by extremist groups.
• These conflicts have diverted attention from changing patterns of extremist violence, which, if ignored, could have serious repercussions in the future.
• An understanding of these developments and their implications is essential for maintaining global stability.

An Overview of Shifting Trends in Extremism

• A RAND study published in the United States highlighted constant changes in domestic terrorism and violent extremism, emphasising the importance of law enforcement agencies adapting to these shifts.
• While this study primarily focused on the U.S., its findings have global relevance.
• Extremist movements, regardless of ideology, thrive on societal vulnerabilities and demand vigilance from both governments and societies.

 Post-Independence India and the Left-Wing Challenge

• Early Communist Movements: Tebhaga and Telangana
  • Two prominent early examples of left-wing agitation were the Tebhaga Movement in Bengal and the Communist-led Telangana uprising.
  • The Tebhaga Movement in the 1940s sought to reduce the share of crops landlords could demand from tenant farmers, advocating for two-thirds of the produce to remain with the farmers.
  • While it gained traction among the rural poor, the movement faced brutal suppression, and its revolutionary aspirations were ultimately curtailed.
  • Similarly, the Telangana uprising, led by the Communist Party of India, was a radical peasant rebellion against oppressive landlords and feudal systems in the Hyderabad state.
  • The movement also sought to implement land redistribution and abolish exploitative practices.
• The Naxalite Movement: A Persistent Challenge
  • The revolutionary fervour of the early years did not dissipate entirely and by the late 1960s, a new wave of Communist extremism emerged, known as the Naxalite Movement.
  • Originating in the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, this movement was driven by radical Maoist ideology that sought to overthrow the state through armed struggle.
  • Unlike earlier Communist movements, which had a broader social agenda, the Naxalites focused on violent class warfare and targeted government institutions, landlords, and perceived enemies of the proletariat.
• The Role of Ideological Appeal
  • A critical factor behind the longevity of left-wing extremism in India is its ideological resonance.
  • The promises of land redistribution, social justice, and equality continue to attract those marginalised by mainstream socio-economic policies.
  • This ideological magnetism underscores the importance of addressing root causes, such as poverty, unemployment, and systemic corruption, to prevent the resurgence of such movements.
• Lessons for the Present
  • India’s experience with left-wing extremism demonstrates the need for a multi-faceted approach to countering such threats.
  • Military and police action, while necessary to combat violent insurgency, must be complemented by social and economic reforms.
  • Developmental initiatives targeting affected regions, such as improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education, can help win the trust of local populations and weaken the appeal of extremist ideologies.

The Rise of Right Wing

• The Global Spread of Right-Wing Ideologies
  • The spread of right-wing extremism is not confined to one region but has become a global issue.
  • In Europe, the rise of right-wing populist parties and movements is particularly notable.
  • Countries such as Germany, France, and Italy have seen significant increases in nationalist rhetoric and xenophobic policies.
  • Germany, once a bastion of post-war liberal democracy, has faced a surge in far-right movements such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and neo-Nazi groups.
  • These movements often capitalise on fears of immigration, economic instability, and the perceived erosion of traditional values.
• Catalysts for the Rise of Right-Wing Extremism
  • Economic instability, particularly in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, has fuelled populist resentment.
  • Right-wing groups often exploit these anxieties, blaming immigrants, minorities, and globalist elites for economic hardships.
  • Rapid social changes, including increasing diversity and evolving gender norms, have triggered cultural anxiety among certain groups.
  • Right-wing ideologies often present a narrative of returning to a mythical "golden age" of cultural purity and national greatness.
  • Large-scale migrations, particularly from conflict zones like Syria and Afghanistan, have intensified anti-immigrant sentiment in many countries.
  • Right-wing extremists frame immigrants as threats to national security, cultural identity, and economic stability.

The Role of Islamist Extremism in Global Spread of Extremism

• The rise of the Islamic State marked a turning point in global extremism, spreading instability across West Asia and beyond.
• While its direct influence has waned, the movement inspired a new wave of right-wing extremism in response.
• Small, decentralised cells of jihadist sympathizers and homegrown extremists have contributed to a fractured threat landscape, requiring law enforcement agencies to act proactively to prevent further escalation.

Addressing Right-Wing Islamist Militancy in India and the Path Forward

• Addressing Right-Wing Militancy in India
  • India, like many other nations, faces the dual challenges of right-wing and Islamist extremism.
  • Recent government actions against organizations such as the Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) illustrate the complexity of combating extremist ideologies.
  • These groups have been accused of fostering right-wing Islamist militancy, drawing attention to the need for balanced yet decisive measures to ensure national security.
  • While security measures may necessitate difficult choices, they must be implemented with care to preserve civil liberties and avoid alienating communities.
• Addressing Underlying Causes of Radicalisation
  • The evolving nature of extremism demands a comprehensive and adaptive approach. Governments must address the underlying causes of radicalisation, such as economic inequality, political disenfranchisement, and social fragmentation.
  • At the same time, they must enhance intelligence capabilities and foster international cooperation to combat the cross-border spread of extremist ideologies.
  • The lessons of history, from India’s struggles with left-wing extremism to Europe’s current challenges with right-wing ideologies, highlight the importance of vigilance and adaptability.
  • In a world increasingly shaped by ideological divides, maintaining democratic values and creating inclusive societies are essential for countering the threats posed by extremism.

Conclusion

• The changing face of extremism requires a nuanced understanding and robust responses from governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil societies.
• While the immediate crises in Ukraine and the Middle East dominate headlines, the persistent threat of both left-wing and right-wing extremism should not be overlooked.
• Eternal vigilance, as the saying goes, is the price of liberty, and addressing these evolving threats is crucial for safeguarding the future of democracies worldwide.