Preventing Immigrant Radicalization Through Social Integration and Belonging
Overview
This reflection discusses how discrimination and marginalization of immigrants creates vulnerability to radicalization, particularly among young people. The paper argues that host nations must actively assimilate immigrants, foster a sense of belonging and citizenship, and treat them as patriots to prevent radicalization and provide them with a protective new identity.
What this reflection paper covers
- Analysis of how marginalization creates conditions for radicalization
- Explanation of why radical groups target vulnerable young immigrants over adults
- Policy recommendations for host nations to prevent radicalization through integration and inclusion
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I agree that marginalizing and discrimination directed to immigrants brings feelings of insignificance. When people find individuals, who accept and understand them, they have a high likelihood that they will join them and become radicalized. Radical groups target people that are vulnerable and have pre-existing anger towards their perceived enemies. Young people have a higher likelihood of being radicalized against the people who discriminate and mistreat them. Adult immigrants are hard to manipulate and radicalize, the main reason why radical groups target young people. In order to prevent radicalization, host nations must understand the people and ensure that they are assisted to settle down. There is need to assimilate these people and give them a feeling of belongingness. As the immigrants are treated as patriots and citizens, they will feel safe and attain a new identity they would want to keep. This is a very informative post and has comprehensive discussion on immigrant radicalization and how it can be avoided.