The globalization of extremism: An odd paradox

This chapter explores the relationship between globalization and extremism. The gains of globalization have not been equal and even in the Western world, globalization has left millions behind. The deterioration of the low-skilled labour market, pessimism about the future, low levels of education and few opportunities to escape the carousel of bad jobs, low benefits and unemployment increases the attractiveness of extremist ideologies across the political spectrum. As globalization has gained momentum, the world has become more interconnected, surpassing social spheres including economics, culture and politics. Despite varying levels of collaboration between societies, globalization has helped fuel socio-economic and political dislocation, that in many places has led to a loss of identity. To counter this perceived threat, extremism and nationalism have increasingly taken hold in an attempt to remove the other and return to the golden age of the past. Globalization and neoliberalism have brought many benefits, but at the same time, they have created the perfect setting for extremism to flourish and go global. The paradox is that those seeking to wind back the clock of globalization and neoliberalism are using its tools and an interconnected world to spread their message of discontent.