There is something more than mere psychological forces which motivates people to become terrorists. Terrorism is a strategic choice opted by the terrorists to correct their perceived [and stated] sense of the deprivations, grievances and injustices. This was stated by Prof. Adam Dolnik while addressing a session on “What do we know about why do … Read more
“Absence of constitutional means, human freedom, unequal distribution of the wealth, biased social structure and weak law and order situation produce radical movements in the developing or developed societies,” said Dr. Rasul Bakhsh Rais, who addressed a “session on defining the Phenomenon of Radicalization in Pakistan” organized by the PIPS on January 2, 2009 at … Read more
“Desire for revenge is also behind the violent activities. Non-violent means have been failed and something must be done. Improving domestic socioeconomic and political situation and reviewing foreign policy in terms of Afghanistan and Iraq is necessary,” remarked Mr. Stephan Tankel while addressing a session on “Radicalization in the West” on December 24 at the … Read more
Radicalism is not necessarily a religious phenomenon. It can happen in any ideological or secular leaning. It is secular. In fact, when Israel was created there was a group which was doing the same thing, i.e. creating terrorism, placing bombs, threatening the British and other forces to accept their demand. They practiced terrorism which culminated … Read more
“The radical groups and radicalization are undermining the norms and values of tolerance, co-existence, peace and pluralism in Pakistani society.” Hussain Naqi, National Coordinator for HRCP Core Groups, said this while giving his expert opinion in the PIPS media workshop on “Radicalization in Pakistan” on November 25, 2008, in Lahore. Mr. Naqi explained the tolerant … Read more
“Fingerprints of two persons don’t match. Irises of two persons don’t match. Similarly, psyches of different people do not match. Every individual has his/her own different psyche. If this is the case how can we have ‘one’ psychological definition of radicalization,” commented Dr. Javed Iqbal, who talked on ‘Defining the Radicalization in Pakistani context’ on … Read more
A group of 26 students from the departments of Defense and Strategic Studies and International Relations in Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad visited the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on October 21, 2008. They were briefed about the PIPS research initiatives in conflict and peace areas, PIPS Database, PIPS Archives and PIPS team. Ms Shabana … Read more
The way Pakistani media has glorified the radicals and militants has not only emboldened the radical groups and organizations but has also caused an increase in the trend and level of radicalization in Pakistani society. The media must not lose sight from the fact that if the radical forces win in the country, their first … Read more
Seven years have passed after the incident of 9/11. international players, led by the US, have been issuing statements as well as making misdirected attempts to address the phenomenon of radicalization in Pakistan and other parts of the world, but, the reality is that the situation ha worsened further. In the beginning, the Pakistani state … Read more
Failed policies and poor strategic choices have overstretched the American military and economy, argues Anatol Lieven, Professor at the Department of War Studies, Kings College, London. The professor visited Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on September 5, 2008 and gave a lecture on “American Policy towards South Asia.” Professor Anatol criticized the United States’ … Read more