The Emergence of 'Extremism': Exposing the Violent Discourse and Language of 'Radicalisation'

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The idea that the expression of radical beliefs is a predictor to future acts of political violence has been a central tenet of counter-extremism over the last two decades. Not only has this imposed a duty upon doctors, lecturers and teachers to inform on the radical beliefs of their patients and students but, as this book argues, it is also a fundamentally flawed concept. Informed by his own experience with the UK's Prevent programme while teaching in a Muslim community, Rob Faure Walker explores the linguistic emergence of 'extremism' in political discourse and the potentially damaging generative effect of this language. Taking a new approach which combines critical discourse analysis with critical realism, this book shows how the fear of being labelled as an 'extremist' has resulted in counter-terrorism strategies which actually undermine moderating mechanisms in a democracy. Analysing the generative mechanisms by which the language of counter-extremism might actually promote violence, Faure Walker explains how understanding the potentially oppressive properties of language can help us transcend them. The result is an imminent critique of the most pernicious aspects of the global War on Terror, those that are embedded in our everyday language and political discourse. Drawing on the authors own successful lobbying activities against counter-extremism, this book presents a model for how discourse analysis and critical realism can and should engage with the political and how this will affect meaningful change.

Reviews

Situating his own personal experiences in attempting to engage government, Faure Walker provides an important corrective to those who uncritically use words like extremism. This book will redefine an entire discourse on violence. * Asim Qureshi, Research Director, CAGE and Editor of I Refuse to Condemn: Resisting Racism in Times of National Security *
Faure Walker is one of the most important critical voices on the UK governments Prevent strategy countering non-violent extremism. He offers a powerful exploration of the discourse of extremism and its negative effects. These are primarily experienced by British Muslims, but are beginning to enmesh wider populations in their damage to democracy and public life. It is necessary and salutary reading. * John Holmwood, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Nottingham, UK *

Author Bio

Rob Faure Walker is Senior Researcher in the Corridors of Power project at The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, UK. He holds a PhD from IOE, UCLs Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, UK and was a secondary school teacher.