Listen to the article
The incident at the Makhachkala airport in the Russian Republic of Dagestan on Sunday evening raises broader questions than the act itself. As we traverse an era marked by rapid political, economic and technological shifts, the rise of extremism emerges as a concerning symptom of a fragmented humanity.
According to the French historian Michel Winock, political extremism often correlates with youth, a period when one’s worldview tends to be binary. As individuals mature, their views are generally moderate. Yet, extremism isn’t exclusively a youthful disposition; it can endure into an older age. As Cesare Pavese aptly expressed, “There’s something sadder than growing old, and it’s remaining a child.” Extremists seek purity and absolutism, rejecting the intrinsic complexity of human and societal nature. Drawn to clear ideals, such as rallying behind a singular leader or eradicating class structures, they oppose anything subject to change or compromise. In such a black-and-white worldview, violence often emerges as the sole means of assertive expression.
Read more
Consider the incident in Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim republic within Russia, where around a hundred men waving Palestinian flags stormed an airport just as a plane from Tel Aviv landed. Their goal was to mete out “justice” to Israeli citizens. This act exemplifies how the Israel-Hamas conflict might provoke violent reactions against Israeli citizens even in countries uninvolved in the dispute. An incident of this magnitude in Russia underscores that no place might be truly immune from such violent demonstrations.
The Multiplicity of Extremism and Their Respective Consequences
Extremism isn’t confined to a single ideology or religion. It manifests in various forms: religious, political, racial and others. Each carries the potential to destabilize society, further polarize communities and sideline moderate voices. The repercussions of extremist actions can ripple out, leading to the rise of populist and nationalist movements, curtailing civil liberties in the name of security, and fostering distrust among different communities. With the proliferation of social media and online platforms, spreading extremist ideologies and orchestrating violent acts have become increasingly feasible.
On the Brink of a Retaliatory Spiral?
Should this extremist trend remain unchecked, society may plunge into a retaliatory spiral of escalating radicalism. Each act could potentially beget another in a relentless race toward further radicalization. The paramount concern is whether the already-divided international community can rally to counter this looming threat.
The Makhachkala incident must serve as a wake-up call. If the rise of extremism goes unchecked, the horizon might darken with a series of grim actions that undermine the very foundations of global civilization.
