Socio-Economic Roots of Extremism in the Region

Abstract

Words ‘extremism’ and ‘extremist’ are most often used to depict actors and/or actions of those who are challenging state authority. This can be used for state opponents who are posing political demands (access to central government, increased political representation or territorial claims), demanding different resource management (from natural resources, exports or tax revenues) or claiming religion/identity freedoms. This is why groups such as Tamil Elam in Sri Lanka, Moro Front in Philippines, FARC in Colombia, ETA in Spain or SPLM in former Sudan are described as extremists who are, by actions they take, destabilizing countries and unjustifiably questioning decisions made by state officials.