Terrorism and political violence have long been tough challenges with no easy fix. They impact communities around the globe, crossing borders and hurting innocent people. There's a lot of discussion about counter-terrorism strategies, but one overlooked way to help is through sharing information to prevent radicalization and support people affected by violence.
Understanding the roots of terrorism
Terrorist organizations form for different reasons, making it tough to find a single cause. Economic factors matter, but they don't explain everything about why terrorism exists. Research shows that ethnic diversity, political fragmentation and extremist ideologies can feed the rise of terrorist groups. On an individual level, some people join these groups because of personal experiences, peer pressure, or the promise of social services their governments fail to provide.
Many terrorist groups, such as Hezbollah and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), provide education, healthcare and other services to members and local populations. In some cases, individuals join because these services are not available through other means. That gap gives non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, a chance to help by providing legitimate social services. Doing so can lessen the draw of extremist groups.
Information as a tool for change
One of the most effective ways to combat terrorism is by providing access to information that offers alternative paths to those at risk. History has shown that knowledge and communication can help people escape extremist groups and prevent others from joining them in the first place.
Radio has proven to be an effective educational tool in regions affected by political violence. In West and Central Africa, for example, schools have been targeted by extremist groups, making traditional education difficult. In response, radio broadcasts have been used to continue children’s education remotely. Similarly, during counterterrorism efforts against the LRA, messages of hope and escape plans were broadcasted via radio to reach members of the group.
Video holds the power to make change
While video is not yet widely used to combat terrorism, it holds great potential. Unlike flyers or radio, video can convey emotions, tell stories and demonstrate real-world solutions in a more engaging manner. In conflict-prone areas, video can showcase peaceful alternatives to violence, provide education, and spread messages of hope.
How NGOs can partner with illuminAid
For more than 13 years, illuminAid's been at the forefront of knowledge-sharing through video, empowering underdeveloped communities with educational resources. We believe video can break cycles of violence by providing critical information and alternative narratives. By working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local groups, we ensure at-risk populations have access to life-changing knowledge that deters them from extremism.
