VIOLENCE IN THE NAME OF THE FAITH: A STUDY IN RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM FROM 1992 - 2002

Abstract

Extremism in the name of religion has become the predominant pattern for violence in the 21st century. This is not to say that it began in the present century or the only model of violence in the modern world. Extremism in the name of religion is one of the pattern of violent behavior just as nationalism and ideology are also catalysts for extremist behavior. However, religious extremism has taken centre stage in the global community, relegating to the background secular and non-religious terrorism especially in the Post Cold War era. The old ideologies of class conflict, anti-colonial liberation and secular nationalism have been challenged by vigorous infusion of sectarian ideologies supported by grass root extremist groups. This paper interrogates the meaning, major attributes and the seemingly rationale for religious inspired extremism.