Extremism
Extremism is advocacy of political, religious, or social views that reject prevailing norms, especially when pursued through coercion or violence.
Radicalization: The process by which a person or group adopts increasingly radical political or religious beliefs. It can describe pathways from grievance or affiliation toward extremist commitments.
Radicalism: Advocacy of fundamental political or social change, often addressing the roots of existing institutions. Radical change can remain nonviolent and democratic, unlike definitions of extremism centered on coercion.
French Revolution: A period of political upheaval in France beginning in 1789 that ended the monarchy and reshaped European politics. The political language of extremes gained prominence amid revolutionary conflict and factional struggle.
Radical right: A family of political movements combining nationalism or nativism with authoritarian or anti-pluralist tendencies. Some radical-right movements reject pluralist norms and have been classified as extremist.
Democratic norms: Shared principles and practices that sustain democratic government, including pluralism, political participation, and acceptance of lawful opposition. Whether an ideology rejects democratic norms is one contested test for calling it extremist.
Political violence: Violence used to influence political decisions, institutions, or power relations. Extremist movements may use violence to impose goals or challenge authority.
Political dissent: Expression of disagreement with government policies, leaders, or institutions. Dissent challenges prevailing views without necessarily rejecting democratic norms or endorsing violence.
Political spectrum: A model that places political positions along one or more dimensions of ideological difference. Labels such as extreme depend on where positions are placed relative to a political center.
Religious fundamentalism: A movement seeking strict adherence to foundational religious texts or doctrines, often in response to perceived modern change. Some fundamentalist movements become politically extremist, while many do not advocate coercion.
Freedom of speech: The right to express opinions and ideas without undue censorship or punishment. Restrictions aimed at extremist speech raise questions about where protection should end.