Answer:

Introduction

Political marginalization entails excluding certain groups from political participation, leading to disempowerment – illustrated by the limited representation of indigenous communities in decision- making processes that can foster their disenfranchisement – while the proliferation of extremism involves the widespread expansion of radical ideologies or actions that deviate from mainstream norms, often through violence or unconventional methods, exemplified by the rapid dissemination of extremist propaganda via online platforms. Ex- A West London resident, shared a number of Daesh videos glorifying terrorism on various online platforms over an 18-month period.

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Relationship between the Political Marginalisation and the Proliferation of Extremism:

• Limited Representation: Exclusion from politics generates frustration, pushing marginalized groups towards extremism for redress. For instance, Chhattisgarh’s tribal communities, politically marginalized, fuelled Maoist insurgency due to resonance with Maoist ideology representing their interests.
• Lack of Policy Influence: Political marginalization results in policies ignoring specific groups, creating an impression of system indifference. This boosts the appeal of extremist alternatives; for instance, The Khalistan movement surged in the 1980s as certain communities felt politically marginalized and dissatisfied with central government policies.
• Disenfranchisement: Denial of basic rights to marginalized groups, like land ownership and education, makes them vulnerable to extremist narratives promising empowerment. The Naxalite movement gains backing from disenfranchised tribal and rural populations, citing land disputes and limited resource access as grievances.
  
• Identity Politics: Political marginalization fuels identity-based politics, as silenced groups cling to ethnic, religious, or regional identities. Extremists exploit this, as seen in West Bengal’s Gorkhaland demand, sparked by Gorkha community marginalization, resulting in separatist sentiment and intermittent violence.
• Youth Alienation: Marginalized youth, with no political involvement, become extremist targets for recruitment. Extremist groups exploit their frustration, providing purpose and belonging. For instance, youth may join militants due to political alienation and the belief that their voices go unheard in politics.

Strategies to Address Political Marginalization and Counter Extremism:

• Inclusive Political Participation: Encouraging marginalized communities to actively shape policies and governance, as exemplified by Rwanda’s post-genocide reconciliation efforts that included quotas for women’s political engagement, promoting stability and inclusivity.
• Policy Empowerment: Prioritizing marginalized groups’ concerns through targeted policies, mirroring Bolivia’s Plurinational Constitution recognizing indigenous rights, thereby empowering marginalized communities and alleviating grievances.
• Education and Awareness: Empowering marginalized groups with knowledge of their rights through education and awareness programs, akin to Uganda’s “Women in Leadership” initiative, enhancing their influence and participation in political discourse.
• Community Dialogue and Mediation: Promoting peaceful conflict resolution and addressing grievances through open dialogues, echoing South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which facilitated healing and national unity after apartheid.
• Youth Engagement and Mentorship: Providing alternative pathways for marginalized youth to engage in constructive political activities and counter extremist recruitment, as demonstrated by Norway’s “Ungdom mot Vold” (Youth against Violence) initiative, offering education and mentorship to combat extremism.

Conclusion

To conclude, when communities are denied political agency and their grievances remain unaddressed, they become more susceptible to extremist ideologies that promise to address their concerns through radical means. Through collective efforts, we can transform grievances into opportunities for constructive change, ensuring that every individual’s aspirations find expression within a harmonious and inclusive societal fabric.

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