Since the 1940s, it’s been common for political moderates to move to the fore in South Africa – then, intermittently, to the background. They are replaced by radicals or exclusivist nationalists.
Australia should be looking at international best practice for early intervention programs targeting young people at risk of joining violent gangs and right-wing extremist groups.
What has changed within society that fosters radicalisation among young people? Where are we failing children, and how can we adjust direction to care for them rather than incarcerate them?
The trick for the jihadist recruiter is to find someone whose alienation will run the gamut to murder, usually by providing an affirmative role model that speaks to their unease.
Counter-radicalisation is only one part of nearly 20 very distinct areas of policy to combat terrorism. It is probably not the most effective by a long shot.
Hundreds of people have been referred to a programme that is supposed to protect them from being drawn into terrorism. But its methods are deeply questionable.
Each individual case of radicalisation has its own characteristics. But the research has highlighted some patterns that may help to explain the dark world that is drawing in some Australian youth.
There is still much we do not know about lone-wolf terrorism. But what we do know may provide investigators with a sort of detection system to prevent attacks from taking place.
People sometimes overlook their profound differences if social forces unite them in a common, often ill-defined desire. Hostility to Muslims is creating an imagined solidarity that Islamists can exploit.
The Caliphate has inspired disputes among Muslims for centuries, but attempts at revival in modern times are unlikely to succeed. Most of the world’s Muslims would not accept its authority over them.
Introducing new curriculum requirements to teach young people about specific issues or requiring teachers to look out for signs of radicalisation are just as likely to have little or no impact if not supported by evidence.