Knowra Political extremism Political extremism Political beliefs or actions that reject core democratic norms or endorse radical measures to achieve political goals. Its boundaries vary with political context and definitions.
Democracy : A system of government in which political power is exercised by the people, directly or through elected representatives. Extremism is often identified by rejection of democratic rules and equal political participation.
Radicalization : A process through which people adopt increasingly extreme beliefs or become willing to use violence for political ends. It describes pathways by which people may come to embrace extremist ideas or tactics.
Nazism : The racist, antisemitic, ultranationalist ideology and regime led by Adolf Hitler in Germany from 1933 to 1945. Its dictatorship, political terror, and genocidal program exemplify a historically consequential extremist movement.
Political dissent : Expression or action opposing government policies, leaders, or political institutions. Opposition to those in power is not extremist simply because it challenges established policy.
Political radicalism : Advocacy of fundamental political or social change, which may pursue change through democratic means. Radical proposals can remain democratic, unlike extremism defined by rejecting democratic norms.
Political polarization : The growing ideological distance or mutual hostility between political groups. Polarization can intensify perceived threats and make compromise seem illegitimate.
Italian Fascism : The authoritarian ultranationalist movement and regime established under Benito Mussolini in Italy. It shows how a mass political movement dismantled democratic institutions and normalized political violence.
Terrorism : The use or threat of violence, especially against civilians, to intimidate or coerce for political purposes. Terrorism is a tactic; extremist beliefs can exist without terrorist acts.
Political violence : The use or threat of physical force to advance political goals. Violence is one possible tactic of extremist movements, but not a defining feature of all extremism.
Scapegoating : The practice of blaming a person or group for problems they did not cause or cannot control. Extremist rhetoric often channels grievances by assigning collective blame to an out-group.
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