Understanding the changing face of extremist violence

The rise of extremist violence, particularly through domestic terrorism and extremist ideologies, is underreported amid major conflicts like the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas clash. A RAND study highlighted the evolving nature of domestic extremist violence, urging law enforcement to prepare for these changes, a crucial lesson for India as well. This shift from left-wing to right-wing extremism is now influencing global security dynamics, including in India, where concerns about rising right-wing extremism are becoming more prominent.

Evolving Nature of Extremist Violence

• RAND Study on Domestic Terrorism: A RAND study on the changing face of domestic extremist violence stresses the importance of understanding new trends to prepare for future threats.
• Impact on Law Enforcement: The study suggests that law enforcement agencies must adapt to the changing spectrum of extremist ideologies to prevent escalation in both the U.S. and globally.
• Lessons for India: Although India's history of extremist violence differs, the study's findings on the rise of right-wing extremism have global relevance, especially in India’s context.

The Historical Context of Extremism in India

• Early Post-Independence Extremism: In the early years of independence, India faced severe communal violence and the rise of left-wing extremist movements like the Communist insurgencies in Bengal and Telangana.
• Naxalite Movement: By the late 1960s, the Naxalite movement emerged as a major challenge to the Indian state, initially appealing to intellectuals and the youth, but later descending into violent extremism.
• The Lingering Threat: While the movement declined, left-wing extremism, particularly Naxalism, continues to be a threat, demonstrating the potential for radical ideologies to resurface.

The Rise of Right-Wing Extremism

• Shift from Left to Right: The rise of right-wing ideologies across Europe has shifted the focus of extremist violence from left-wing to right-wing extremism. Countries like Germany and France have seen growing right-wing movements with increasing xenophobia.
• Impact of Global Events: The rise of the Islamic State and the 2001 attacks in the West, along with the pandemic, have exacerbated right-wing radicalization, feeding into global instability and insecurity.
• India's Security Implications: Right-wing extremism is also growing in India, with organizations like the Popular Front of India (PFI) linked to radical elements, making it essential for law enforcement to manage this new dimension of threat.

Practice Question:

How have the shifting dynamics of global extremist violence, particularly the rise of right-wing extremism, impacted national security frameworks? Discuss the implications for law enforcement and security agencies in India.