ISFiT: Turning to Extremism

While many of us view our societies as increasingly inclusive and diverse, both religious and nationalist forms of extremism are gaining traction. How should we engage with fringe movements, and why are people who live in Western liberal democracies attracted to them? We will explore the differences and similarities between right-wing and islamic extremism, two distinct political movements that nonetheless appear to feed off each other. Is the growth of such movements evidence of the shortcomings of Western societies?
In this plenary session our moderator Morten Langfeldt Dahlback will guide us to a greater understanding of this sensitive topic with the aid of our speakers. Nancy Herz, a youth activist and author and Håvard Bustnes, a multi-award winning director and producer will join us, as well as Øyvind Strømmen, a journalist and writer who investigates and analyzes online extremism. Last, but not least, sociologist Viggo Jan Vestel will provide an academic perspective on this issue.