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2017 | Buch

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Extremism, Radicalization and Security

An Identity Theory Approach

verfasst von: Julian Richards

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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This book provides a detailed application of identity theory to contemporary questions of extremism, radicalization and security. The analysis considers how identity forms a central aspect of notions of extremism and security in Western societies, as articulated both by political leaders, the media and the government. It also takes a close and critical look at counter-extremism policy in contemporary Western society. With its detailed and empirical approach to these questions, this book is an accessible and invaluable resource for academics, practitioners, policy-makers and general readers keen to establish a deeper understanding of the key societal security threats of the day.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

The opening chapter begins with the premise that identity has become an “inescapable component” of security in the twenty-first century. Much of this is to do with global processes such as globalization and the effects they have on multicultural societies. In a supposedly multicultural country such as Britain, much debate has been had recently at the policy level about notions of “Britishness” and its connection to a secure society in which certain values are defined and followed. This chapter introduces the debates, and the theoretical frameworks under which analysis will be conducted, including identity theory, political myth, and discourse analysis.

Julian Richards

Identity, Extremism, Radicalization, Terrorism

Frontmatter

2. Intersections Between Identity and Security

Abstract

The second chapter provides a comprehensive review of the link between identity theory and security, promoting the argument in so doing that “an understanding of identity theory provides a key epistemological framework for discussions of contemporary security challenges.” The analysis frames itself around the interplay between macro- and micro-level approaches to identity formation and politicization, which, in the world of security studies is often articulated as the question of “push and pull factors”. A comprehensive review of identity theory is undertaken in this chapter, starting with the work of William James on “multiple selves” and moving into debates about symbolic interactionism and performativity in the contemporary context.

Julian Richards

3. Radicalization, Extremism, Terrorism

Abstract

The third chapter builds on the second by applying an understanding of identity theory to some of the core questions at the heart of contemporary security studies in Western, metropolitan societies such as Britain; namely the somewhat contested notions of radicalization, extremism and terrorism. The chapter begins by noting that “radicalization” has become a firmly-established and normative notion in Western security policy, but is not a universally understood or accepted process. Similarly, because the words radical and extreme are essentially relative concepts, the question of Britishness and the degree to which a person can deviate from it in radical ways is also relative and subjective. In this way, it is argued, identities in a security context cannot be easily described as essentialist factors.

Julian Richards

4. Reactive Identity Movements

Abstract

The fourth chapter takes social movement theory as a mechanism for considering ways in which intersubjective identity interactions deliver a reactive identity politics, manifested most notably in the contemporary West as Far Right and populist politics. In security terms, such processes can also lead to “cumulative extremism” as a major security threat to society. In the British context, the recent rise of the English Defence League (EDL) on the populist right is taken as an indicative example of a dangerously reactive identity politics and narrative.

Julian Richards

State, Society, Narrative, Political Myth

Frontmatter

5. Political Myth and Discourse Analysis in Security

Abstract

The fifth chapter delivers a discussion on political myth, focusing initially on questions of nationalism and identity. Note is made of how, in contemporary postmaterialist politics, it appears that Barthes’s notion of “depoliticized language” in political myth-making is not only used to reject the narratives of “elites” politically, but is particularly so in the hands of new populist parties which emphasize identity politics as alternatives to supposedly bankrupt mainstream thinking. In a European context, political myth is central to the relationship between Europe and Islam on both sides; in terms of an Islamist narrative of perpetual conflict with Islam; and a notion of Europeanness which supposedly excludes Islam in essence.

Julian Richards

6. Identity and Security Narratives in Contemporary Britain

Abstract

This chapter takes the principles developed in previous chapters concerning identity theory, political myth and discourse analysis, and applies them to three indicative case studies. These comprise: an official narrative about “multiculturalism” delivered by the former British Prime Minister, David Cameron; a critical Islamist narrative in the shape of a response to Cameron’s speech by Hizb-ut Tahrir; and a “Far Right” perspective represented by a statement by the English Defence League (EDL) about inter-community relations in contemporary Britain. All of these narratives to differing degrees display the use of language in weaving an identity politics, and the conscious development of political myth.

Julian Richards

7. State Policy and Strategy: Prevent, “Multi-agency” Responses, and the Way Forward

Abstract

In this chapter, questions of British state policy in the areas of counter-extremism and counter-terrorism are examined from the perspective of their effects on identity. The frame for analysis is an expansive chronological examination, which notes how contemporary counter-terrorism policy was shaped by the experience of “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland in the latter part of the twentieth century. A detailed and empirical analysis is then undertaken of the contemporary “Prevent” policy, which lies at the heart of British security debates and narratives in a most controversial form.

Julian Richards

8. Conclusions

Abstract

The concluding chapter draws together the strands in emphasizing a core set of arguments. First, the centrality and utility of identity theory to an examination of contemporary security is reiterated. Within this assertion, a Foucauldian notion of identity as being constructed rather than essentialist is put forward. This allows for recognition that political myth is very much at the heart of a burgeoning and rapidly developing identity politics in the contemporary West. Finally, on the specific policy area of Prevent and related counter-terrorism strategy, the case is made for continuing to develop and promote this area of policy as an essential – if controversial – plank in security policy in the twenty-first century.

Julian Richards

Backmatter

Titel: Extremism, Radicalization and Security
verfasst von: Julian Richards
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-55203-3
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-55202-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55203-3

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Über dieses Buch

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Identity, Extremism, Radicalization, Terrorism

Frontmatter

2. Intersections Between Identity and Security

3. Radicalization, Extremism, Terrorism

4. Reactive Identity Movements

State, Society, Narrative, Political Myth

Frontmatter

5. Political Myth and Discourse Analysis in Security

6. Identity and Security Narratives in Contemporary Britain

7. State Policy and Strategy: Prevent, “Multi-agency” Responses, and the Way Forward

8. Conclusions

Backmatter

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