Science of radicalisation

Radicalisation is influencing thinking mechanism of an individual, group through continuous interaction

A lot of literature is available on radicalisation, however some basic questions relating to the subject need to be asked and debated for clarity and precision. First, whether radicalisation has a scientific base or is it purely an unscientific phenomenon? Second, can we master the knowledge of radicalisation and use it as an effective tool to propagate our strategic interests? Third, can we employ innovative techniques to manage cyberspace and electronic media for radicalisation to effectively regulate sparsely distributed and distant population residing within and without our geographical boundaries? These questions provide us an important radicalisation framework for constituting a system of knowledge to achieve important national objectives in the age of hybrid warfare.

Radicalisation is a process of influencing the thinking mechanism of an individual or a group through continuous interaction, directly or indirectly, using different means of communication. The basic theme is that one can overpower an individual or a group through effective communication skills thus forcing the audience to surrender on key discussion points and follow a directed line of action. For example, a number of suicide attackers who have been arrested by law-enforcement agencies narrate three basic features of science of radicalisation. First, they say that they have been completely or partially isolated from their existing social milieu. They were, in most cases, kept in a secluded place, a house or a building round the clock. Therefore, a sense of isolation or social divorce is something which is quite common among the radicalised minds either in an open or closed, tribal or non-tribal and traditional or modern societies. Second, an operator is present, physically or electronically, who impacts constantly the mind of the target. Such a person influences the thought process of his or her target through lecturing and effectively narrating details on specific subjects which may excite inner emotions and feelings of his or her target. Sometimes, heavy or mild medications and pictorial features are also used for enhancing individual eagerness and anticipation. In case of self-radicalisation, a target may get inspiration from online videos and messages as they provide a sense of enjoyment in his or her social isolation. Hence a type of mentoring and coaching is at hand in each and every case of radicalisation whether it takes place with physical presence of a guide or a teacher and availability of ready access to technology. Third, a radicalised mind expresses a kind of exhilaration in achieving the objective of his or her mentor. Such an accomplishment synergises with a personal achievement or gives vent to the suppressed feelings and emotions of a radicalised person.

Once we understand the basic features of radicalisation framework we can easily utilise it for specific objectives. The electronic and print media can be used to present a particular viewpoint to slowly radicalise the viewers or readers and prepare a mindset which can be marshalled for rallying the masses on certain moot points. From religious to social issues, media and other means of information dissemination can be used unhesitatingly to control the thinking process of people living in a locality. For example, Mumtaz Qadri, the killer of Salmaan Taseer, former governor of Punjab, revealed during interrogation that he cemented his resolve to eliminate his benefactor when he heard repeatedly about Taseer’s blasphemous narration from the local prayer leader of a mosque where he used to offer his Friday prayers. Similarly, when a person or group is bombarded incessantly with a peculiar subject in an acute manner, radicalisation is surely to take root in such an environment. This situation is enhanced once we step into the digital domain.

Cyberspace is an important area which can effectively be utilised to influence the thinking pattern of a person. If one knows one’s core priorities then one can easily control one’s thinking mechanism and force him/her to align himself or herself politically, religiously and socially. For example, social media was used in the US Presidential Elections 2016 to allegedly form a favourable opinion for a particular candidate. Thus, a strategy based on the social data of local population is an effective tool to goad them for motivation and encouragement. The data acquisition of a population living in an alien land can also be effectively interpreted and then utilised through manipulation of their thinking processes so that they can be forced to channel their energies in a particular direction. Such bidding and instruction for peculiar decisions is provided through the science of radicalisation. In the year 2010, the Punjab government formed a committee to see whether cartoons based on Hindu mythology should be banned or not as such programmes might be impacting minds of Pakistani children. We need to make Pemra observe each advertisement and programme critically so that its impact on the population’s thinking trends can be properly gauged. More importantly, Pemra should have a strategic wing at its disposal to effectively blunt the impact of specific foreign programmes to change the mindset of our local population. Many advanced countries are introducing their versions of software for electronic interactions and chat groups to diminish chances of information syphoning and regulating minds of their population.

As technology advances and new gadgets are introduced, each person can easily be controlled through electronic interaction techniques either through general or exclusive group formation in cyber media space. In some intrinsic groups usually like-minded individuals are clubbed together or people with overlapping core interests are assembled and the electronic software tinkers with their thinking processes to prepare them for particular decision-making and mindset patterns. Once population is controlled, it can be exploited as a significant force asymmetrically for achieving specific objectives.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2018.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.