Can Interfaith Contact Reduce Extremism Among Youth?

The Pakistani government banned more than 200 groups as extremist or terrorist organizations last year in a significant move to stop the spread of ideological, religious and political extremism that can feed violent conflict. But many ideologically extreme groups still operate openly, with evidence suggesting there is consistent recruiting and engagement with university students. In Sri Lanka, Buddhist ideological extremism fuels negative attitudes about minority ethnic and religious groups. Join a U.S. Institute of Peace Jennings Randolph Fellow Rabia Chaudry and other experts to discuss the findings of her research on these trends.

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Ideological extremism, radicalization and militancy in Pakistan’s Southern Punjab has been the focus of concern for years. The Pew Research Center’s Social Hostilities Index, which measures acts of religious animosity by individuals, organizations and social groups, rated Pakistan the highest in such antagonism. In Sri Lanka, the Social Hostilities Index stands at 8.3 and has risen steadily since 2007.

One factor in each case might be persistent efforts by extremist organizations to involve young people. Chaudry’s research project was designed to study whether and how contact across faiths and sectarian divides among college-age youth reduces participation in ideologically extreme groups or belief in negative narratives about people who are different.

Rabia Chaudry, Presenter and Moderator

Jennings Randolph Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace

Ayub Ayubi, Panelist

Founder, Renaissance Foundation (Mashal-e-Rah), Pakistan

Georgia Holmer, Panelist

Director of Countering Violent Extremism, U.S. Institute of Peace

Susan Hayward, Panelist

Director of Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace

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The United States Institute of Peace works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict around the world. USIP does this by engaging directly in conflict zones and by providing analysis, education, and resources to those working for peace. Created by Congress in 1984 as an independent, nonpartisan, federally funded organization, USIP’s more than 300 staff work at the Institute’s D.C. headquarters, and on the ground in the world’s most dangerous regions.