On extremism

The term "extreme" is used to denote conditions, situations, types of activity, ways of thinking and lifestyles, and social positions that sharply deviate from the norm; essentially, it is one of the modifications of the classical concept of extremity. From a legal perspective, any criminal event is extreme for both citizens and the state. In political science, wars and revolutions are considered the most extreme social phenomena.

Global danger, the most resonant type of crime – this is all about extremism.

All authors who write and speak about extremism agree that it is an extremity (extremity) in the assessment and actions of an individual (group of people). Furthermore, the concept of extremism can include all forms and manifestations of radicalism (conscious and unconscious extremity in the views and actions of a certain group of people) and, naturally, terrorism.

Extremism is "an extremely dangerous phenomenon in the life of any society. It poses a threat to the foundations of the constitutional system, the territorial integrity of the Republic of Belarus, the creation of illegal armed formations, the commission of terrorist activities, the incitement of racial, national or religious hatred or strife, and leads to the violation of constitutional rights and freedoms of man and citizen." Extreme, in its literal sense, is an extreme manifestation of something – actions, statements, views, etc. Consequently, extremism can be political (pursuit of policy by extreme methods), religious, economic, social, and so on.

The concept, actions, and phenomena associated with the words "extreme" and "extremism," in addition to the meaning of "extreme," are also used with the meaning of "last" and "extraordinary."

At the same time, the etymology of the concept indicates a connection with a number of terms close in meaning. Thus, along with "extremism," the concept of "extremity" is often used, which reflects a similar system of actions.

It should also be noted that the concepts of "extremism" and "extremity" originate from the same Latin root extremus (edge, end). Unlike extremity, extremism always carries a personal element

beginning. It exacerbates the situation, drives to extremes, to cardinal contradictions, conflicts that cannot be resolved by peaceful means, when extremism is characterized by a spontaneous nature (human activity, external environment – natural disasters, natural cataclysms, etc.). In addition, extremism is not always a crisis or a conflict.

Extremists, taking an aggressive stance in society, cross the line allowed by morality and law. Extremals are extraordinary individuals prone to risky situations, testing maximum human capabilities, striving to overcome critical and extreme obstacles.

Thus, "extreme" and "extremism" are two paths of activity, directions of development, methods of implementation, however, often, for the sake of extreme sensations (extreme), individuals (groups) commit actions, sometimes without even realizing it, that fall under the criteria of extremism, for which both administrative and criminal liability is provided, unlike, for example, extreme driving on any transport in specially designated areas, extreme sports, etc.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor
of the Vitebsk Region for Supervision
over the Enforcement of Legislation
on State Security
Alexey Lysakov