Extremism

Resource Information

The work Extremism represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Waubonsee Community College. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

Extremism

Statement of responsibility

J.M. Berger

Creator

• Berger, J. M., (John M.), 1967-

Author

• Berger, J. M., (John M.), 1967-

Subject

• Political violence
• Radicalism

Language

eng

Summary

A rising tide of extremist movements threaten to destabilize civil societies around the globe. It has never been more important to understand extremism, yet the dictionary definition-a logical starting point in a search for understanding-tells us only that extremism is "the quality or state of being extreme." In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, J. M. Berger offers a nuanced introduction to extremist movements, explaining what extremism is, how extremist ideologies are constructed, and why extremism can escalate into violence. Berger shows that although the ideological content of extremist movements varies widely, there are common structural elements. Berger, an expert on extremist movements and terrorism, explains that extremism arises from a perception of "us versus them," intensified by the conviction that the success of "us" is inseparable from hostile acts against "them." Extremism differs from ordinary unpleasantness-run-of-the-mill hatred and racism-by its sweeping rationalization of an insistence on violence. Berger illustrates his argument with case studies and examples from around the world and throughout history, from the destruction of Carthage by the Romans-often called "the first genocide"-to the apocalyptic jihadism of Al Qaeda, America's new "alt-right," and the anti-Semitic conspiracy tract The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. He describes the evolution of identity movements, individual and group radicalization, and more. If we understand the causes of extremism, and the common elements of extremist movements, Berger says, we will be more effective in countering it

Member of

• MIT Press essential knowledge series

Cataloging source

DLC

Dewey number

303.48/4

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

LC call number

HN49.R33

LC item number

B464 2018

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Series statement

The MIT press essential knowledge series