Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Sciences for Women, Professor Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim, The Department of Media and Governmental Communication organized a workshop titled:
“Extremism: Its Intellectual Roots, Societal Effects, and Mechanisms for Confrontation”
The workshop was presented by the Head of the Public Relations Unit, Assistant Professor Dhefaf Abdul Khalifa, and Mr. Mohammed Ali Mohammed, with the attendance of the Dean of the College, the Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs, Prof. Dr. Yousra Abdul Sahib, as well as a number of faculty members and staff of the college.
The workshop discussed the definition of extremism as an intellectual and behavioral phenomenon characterized by the adoption of radical ideas that contradict human and societal values, relying on the rejection of dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Extremism can manifest in areas such as religion, politics, and culture, and is often associated with misinterpretations of specific ideologies.
The workshop also addressed the intellectual roots of extremism, such as the misinterpretation of religious texts, adopting radical positions due to intellectual emptiness and a sense of alienation, along with political and social influences such as political repression, poverty, unemployment, and marginalization. It also touched on how extremist groups exploit feelings of anger and hostility to recruit individuals.
The workshop highlighted the societal impacts of extremism, including societal division, weakening of social bonds, increased violence and terrorism, destabilization of political and economic stability, restriction of freedoms, and threats to national security.
The workshop proposed mechanisms for confronting extremism, such as enhancing education and awareness to spread values of tolerance and acceptance of others, adopting a moderate discourse that calls for peace and mutual coexistence, improving economic and social conditions, providing job opportunities, raising awareness among families about their role in monitoring and guiding their children, and promoting comprehensive development to build a stable and secure society.
The workshop concluded by emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to confront extremism in all its forms and build a society based on justice, peace, and mutual coexistence.
