politicalviolenceataglanceBy Patrick Pierson.
The recent coup attempt in Turkey has once again demonstrated the powerful interplay of technology, society, and political violence. Similarly, recent nonviolent protests in Zimbabwe demonstrate the utility of technology and social media in civil resistance movements. This article, however, argues that social media has been employed in the recent South Sudan conflict to instigate, rather than contain, violence. Also in technology, authorities in Bosnia are warning Pokémon Go players to beware of landmines while playing the game.
In Brazil, authorities are monitoring nearly 100 individuals for potential links to terrorist groups. This comes as a group of extremists in the country declared loyalty to ISIS this week. Officials fear that a family from Bangladesh has left the country on their way to Syria, potentially joining the 100 foreigners that – according to French military intelligence – enter into Syria from Turkey each week. In Switzerland, prosecutors have filed charges against a number of individuals accused of raising funds to buy weapons for the Tamil Tigers during the Sri Lankan civil war.
UN Secretary General candidate Helen Clark argues that the United Nations must do a better job at fighting violent extremism. While international institutions are important, this article argues that moms are one of the most overlooked avenues for fighting extremism. In addition to these interventions, there is a pivotal role to be played by the private sector as well. And in Venezuela, the Vatican may soon become involved in helping to mediate the current political crisis.
