Description
Book SynopsisThe 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 pr
Trade ReviewSituating 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 government’s 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 *
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements
Part I: Actual 1. Counter-Terrorism in the Classroom 2. Terrorism Studies
Part II: Empirical 3. The Language of Counter-Extremism 4. The Emergence of ‘Extremism’ 5. The Emergence of ‘Radicalisation’
Part III: The Real 6. What Caused the emergence of ‘Extremism’ 7. Challenging the Violence of Counter-Extremism 8. The Crisis of ‘Extremism’ Notes Bibliography Index
