Importance of Education in Countering Global Radicalism and Terrorism

Abstract

This research article has been written to analyse the rise of terrorism and religious radicalization on the world stage in the present context. Efforts to counter violent radicalization in Europe have been documented in official documents since 2005, with updates in 2008 and 2014 and 2020 (European Commission, 2020). European countries have successively introduced measures to promote the assimilation of not only immigrant populations, but also refugees and asylum seekers (Eurydice, 2019). This objective is in line with the objective of the Council of Europe, which was originally set out to promote European identity with the aim of establishing greater unity between states and protecting fundamental freedoms and human rights (Council of Europe, 1949). That is why Europe is facing important challenges. The lack of trust in political processes, the political apathy of citizens, and the rise in violent extremism are among the most serious threats to civil liberties and the values of tolerance that lie at its core. The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a defining moment in America. Since then, Europe has regarded the terrorist threat as a threat. Europe has also become a place where radicalization and terrorist recruitment have flourished, and where the number of radicalized individuals has increased. However, they are associated with many of the characteristics of jihad, such as Islamic jihad culture, socio-economic deprivation and radicalization and cultural alienation. Terrorist attacks have caused social upheaval, provoked a sharp reaction in the media and threaten traditional European values. Most terrorist attacks have been carried out by so-called "domestic fighters" influenced by the rhetoric of domestic jihadism. They are predominantly second or third generation European citizens of Muslim immigrants who were born and raised in Europe.