Home > Staying Safe > PREVENT and Fundamental British Values > What motivates extremism?

What Motivates Extremism?

There could be any number of reasons why an individual or group is drawn towards extremist views or wants to commit acts of terror. Extremism is defined as "vocal or active opposition to the Fundamental British Values." But this definition is broad and may include groups or individuals who don’t intend to commit violent acts.

However, three broad categories of motivation are presented below, there is often overlap between them.

Religious Extremism

Religious extremism is currently considered the highest threat in the UK and Europe as most acts of terrorism committed in recent years have been religiously motivated, although sometimes there is crossover between religious and political extremism.

Islamic fundamentalism

Islamic extremism is currently the biggest threat, linked to most major terrorist attacks in the UK. Political issues like the UK’s role in wars in Muslim countries and groups like Al Qaida and ISIS, which fund extremist activities, help this extremism grow. Muslims and mosques can also be targeted by extremists for not supporting these causes.

A religiously motivated extremist could be from any religion or even be strongly anti-religious

Extremists can come from any religion or hold anti-religious views like Islamophobia or Anti-Semitism. Islamic extremism can fuel Islamophobic extremism, and vice versa. For example, Anders Breivik in Norway, who killed over 70 people, held strong anti-Islamic views but had unclear religious beliefs. Though mostly acting alone, he was linked to groups like the English Defence League.

Individuals may adopt ideologies outside their own religious group.

Most religious institutions are harmless, but some vulnerable members may turn to extremist groups outside their own denomination. The PREVENT strategy works with faith groups to identify and support these individuals.

Political Extremism

Political changes—or the lack of them—can fuel extremist views. Political extremism is different from religious extremism and can include issues like racism. Sometimes, political and religious extremism overlap. For example, the UK’s foreign policy in wars in Muslim countries has increased Islamic extremism, while the rise in the UK’s Muslim population has fueled Islamophobic extremism blaming immigration policies

Right wing extremism

Right-wing extremism is a major threat, linked to views like racism (e.g., Neo-Nazis), homophobia, ultra-nationalism (especially in Northern Ireland), and anti-Zionism. Political issues like immigration and Brexit can embolden extremists.

Left wing extremism

Left-wing extremism isn’t seen as a major threat now but was more common before the 1990s due to groups like the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) and Soviet attempts to undermine Western democracies.

Mental wellbeing

Poor mental wellbeing doesn’t directly cause radicalisation but can make vulnerable people more likely to be drawn to extremist causes. While most people can rationalise frustrations or feelings of injustice, those struggling mentally may see issues as one-sided and bigger than they are. Factors that increase this vulnerability include drug abuse, mental health problems, and poor relationships, such as lacking a role model.

Spotting the Signs

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT offers insight into signs that show if someone might be vulnerable to extremist causes. While the motivations above explain why people justify extremism, there are usually other underlying signs that cause vulnerable individuals to overstate these reasons.

Find out how to spot the signs