Why this matters now
Radicalisation (and its reverse) is increasingly tested in GS-3 — its drivers, the online dimension, and counter/de-radicalisation strategies.
What is radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the gradual process of adopting extreme political, social or religious ideologies that reject the mainstream and may justify violence. It can be driven by ideology, grievance, identity, alienation, propaganda and peer/online influence, and increasingly produces self-radicalised “lone wolves”.
Drivers and the online dimension
Push/pull factors include socio-economic marginalisation, perceived injustice/discrimination, identity crises, charismatic propaganda, and a sense of belonging/purpose. The internet and social media have transformed radicalisation — enabling global propaganda, recruitment, virtual communities and encrypted coordination.
Counter and de-radicalisation
Counter-radicalisation prevents radicalisation; de-radicalisation reintegrates those already radicalised. Strategies: counter-narratives, community engagement, education and digital literacy, addressing root grievances, rehabilitation programmes, and engaging religious/community leaders — a “whole-of-society”, non-coercive approach alongside law enforcement.
UPSC angle
Know radicalisation (process to extremism/violence, lone wolves), its drivers (marginalisation, propaganda, identity, online), and counter- vs de-radicalisation (counter-narratives, community engagement, rehab).
Frequently asked questions
What is radicalisation?
The process by which individuals adopt extremist ideologies that reject the mainstream and may justify violence.
What drives radicalisation?
Socio-economic marginalisation, perceived injustice, identity crises, propaganda and online influence.
What is the difference between counter- and de-radicalisation?
Counter-radicalisation prevents radicalisation; de-radicalisation reintegrates those already radicalised.
How can radicalisation be tackled?
Through counter-narratives, community engagement, digital literacy, addressing grievances and rehabilitation, alongside law enforcement.