BharatNotes Extremism
noun (uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The state's counter-radicalisation strategy must address the socio-economic alienation and online echo chambers that incubate extremism, for coercive policing alone can suppress its symptoms without dissolving the grievances that sustain it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
extremist (n/adj), extreme (adj/n), extremely (adv), extremity (n), extremes (n pl)
Root
Latin extremus = outermost, utmost; -ism = noun suffix denoting doctrine; first recorded 1840s
Etymology
From Latin extremus ("outermost, utmost") + -ism; first recorded in English in the 1840s; in Indian security discourse, it encompasses both Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism/Maoism) and right-wing or religiously motivated extremism.
Memory Hook
Extremism = "EXTREME" + "ism": a doctrine ("-ism") of pushing views to the very EXTREME edge, far past the moderate middle.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
The holding of positions far outside the accepted political mainstream, and in the security sense positions that admit violence as legitimate. The line that must be drawn carefully in GS2 and GS3 is that a democracy tolerates extreme opinion while prohibiting incitement and violence. Answers that blur that boundary either license repression or excuse violence, and the examiner is looking for the candidate who holds it steady.
Don’t Confuse It With
Extremism describes the position held. Radicalisation is the process of coming to hold it. Fundamentalism concerns strict adherence to doctrine and is not necessarily violent. Terrorism is the violent act, and the four are frequently and wrongly used interchangeably.
Hindi Meaning
उग्रवाद (ugravād) or अतिवाद (ativād).
Common Questions
- What is extremism?
- The holding of political or religious positions far outside the mainstream, and in security usage positions that treat violence as a legitimate means.
- Is extremism the same as terrorism?
- No. Extremism describes beliefs. Terrorism is the violent act carried out to achieve political ends.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2024 — Internal Security
- Prelims 2017 — Internal Security
- Prelims 2016 — Internal Security
- Mains 2024 · GS4 · 25 marks — Case Study
- Mains 2020 · GS3 · 15 marks — Internal Security
- Mains 2018 · GS3 · 10 marks — Security
- Mains 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marks — Security
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Extremism” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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