Planning and Implementation Tug Of War

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By Madaraka Katana Balancing planning and implementation is one of the most significant challenges faced by leaders in community-driven projects. I’ve come to understand this deeply through my personal journey, serving in dual roles as Operations Manager at RegisTree, a community-based waste management and composting enterprise, and Chairperson of Dabaso Youth for Green Future, a youth-led organization focused on environmental action and empowering sustainable livelihoods. From the outside, planning and implementation may look like two natural stages of a project. One lays the foundation, and the other builds on it. But in reality, these stages often conflict, overlap, or even clash, especially in a grassroots setup where time, support, and resources are thin. Where the Struggles Begin Sometimes, the greatest challenge lies in spending so much time planning that implementation never really begins. You draft strategies, create to-do lists, organize meetings, and map out grand visions, b...
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UNDERSTANDING ONLINE EXTREMISM

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Photo by freepik

 In an age dominated by digital connectivity, the rise of online extremism poses a profound challenge to global societies. The internet, once hailed as a beacon of information and connection, has become a breeding ground for extremist ideologies. In our previous article, we looked at the Causes and effects of Radicalization and social media was among the top contributors. In this article, we will delve into the complex dynamics, root causes, and impacts surrounding the pervasive issue of extremism in the virtual realm

ROOT CAUSES

Online extremism often finds its origins in socioeconomic disparities, political instability, cultural tensions, and, at times, religious fervour. As a means of expressing their grievances or finding purpose amid all these factors social media can be the next best option, especially in this rapidly changing world. Let's discuss these factors and see how they bring about Online extremism.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DISPARITIES
High levels of inequality, unemployment, and marginalization may contribute to feelings of frustration and alienation among certain groups of individuals. In such circumstances, online platforms can become outlets for expressing grievances, finding like-minded individuals, and mobilizing around extremist ideologies.

POLITICAL INSTABILITY
Political instability can create an environment conducive to the growth of online extremism. Uncertain political situations, governance issues, and power vacuums may lead to the rise of extremist ideologies as individuals seek alternative solutions or outlets for their grievances.
Online platforms can amplify these issues, providing a space for the rapid dissemination of extremist narratives and recruitment efforts.

CULTURAL TENSIONS
Cultural tension stems from deep-seated societal divisions or historical grievances. When these tensions are not addressed, they can manifest online, providing a platform for the dissemination of extremist ideologies.

RELIGIOUS FERVOR
Realizing that the vast majority of religious practitioners do not support extremism, certain interpretations or manipulations of religious beliefs can be exploited to promote extremist ideologies online. Religion provides a powerful ideological framework that extremists may use to justify their actions. In some cases, individuals may interpret religious teachings in an extreme or distorted way, leading to radicalization. The internet can amplify these beliefs, creating echo chambers where like-minded individuals reinforce and escalate their extreme views.

IMPACTS OF ONLINE EXTREMISM TO THE SOCIETY

Community Division: Extremist narratives often involve the stigmatization of certain groups based on characteristics such as race, religion, or ideology. This content can reinforce and exaggerate group identities, leading to the formation of exclusive online communities that may perceive themselves as superior or under threat from others. 
Extremist Social media algorithms may also contribute to the creation of echo chambers, where individuals are predominantly exposed to content that aligns with their existing beliefs. This limits exposure to diverse perspectives and contributes to a sense of isolation from differing opinions.
Hate Crimes: Through disseminating discriminatory ideologies and fostering a climate of hostility, Extremists can fuel hate crimes both online and offline, targeting individuals or groups based on their race, religion, ethnicity, or other characteristics.
Threats to Democracy: Extremist activities may undermine democratic processes by spreading disinformation, manipulating public opinion, or even encouraging violence as a means of achieving political goals.

CONCLUSION

As we navigate the digital landscape, the fight against online extremism demands a comprehensive approach.

From left, Sharon, Solomon, Emmanuel, Peter and and Baraka during a podcast discussion.
By understanding its root causes, leveraging technology responsibly, and fostering inclusive societies, we can collectively strive to dismantle the virtual breeding grounds that sustain extremism, promoting a safer and more interconnected world. 

Follow up on the next article as we will be discussing countering Radicalization and violent extremism.

Madaraka Katana.

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