Domestic Extremism? Radicalization? Problem Solved.
Dr. Lisa A. McConnell
Insatiable curiosity, fascinated by international relations (and the failure of most people to learn critical lessons from history), full-spectrum thinker, & practical solution maker.
Concerned about domestic extremism and calls for mobilization to violence? The White House released a bulletin with the intent to offer transparency, policy, and initiatives (The White House, 2021).
What can be done? What framework must be implemented? What questions correctly identify essential elements, lead to proper perspective, yield ultimate understanding, and provide proven solutions?
Meticulous mining of the research data from 156 global leaders interviewed to determine the strategies required to successfully combat and prevent radicalization to extremism and mobilization to violence revealed the traditional family has decayed.
Consider this sobering forecast turned historical evidence. Blankenhorn (1995) asserted that 40 percent of the children in the U.S. would sleep in homes wherein their father did not live. “Fatherlessness is the engine driving our most urgent social problems, from crime to adolescent pregnancy to domestic violence” (Blankenhorn, pp.6-7). Twenty-six years later, we see the profound impact fatherlessness has had on America.
Focusing on the family as the fundamental building block of all society and as the corner and capstone of all policy and programming WILL lead to increased individual well-being, which manifests in profound public safety. Supporting, sustaining, and upholding the traditional family is THE solution (preventative and countermeasure) to individual and group radicalization.
I know.
Concern over the institution of the family is not sexy, trendy, or so-called enlightened. Dogmatists will view me as primitive, and bureaucrats likely agree. What counter or preventative force has the power for good that is greater than the family? If government and schools fail to educate and encourage sustainable societies (and they have), to whom or what ought we go?
To focus on the family institution does not require billions of dollars, countless hours of research, trials, or testing. Dang it – it’s just so practical.
Let’s refocus on our roots and stop the damning trend of throwing away money on issues that have been solidified and proven over eons of time.
#biden #publicsafety #internationalrelations #sustainable #family #radicalization #extremism #politics #terror
References
Blankenhorn, D. (1995, Feb. 26). Life without Father. USA Weekend, pp. 6–7.
The White House (2021). Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice, January 26, 2021.
Consultant
3 年Lisa this argument is very weak. Simplistic answers to complex issues? You seem to be saying restoring the (undefined)"traditional family is the solution to terrorism. You cite 150 experts. I was one of the experts you cite and I dont for a minute support this ideological, evidence free position. I dont recall weak traditional families in Syria or Iraq. There was terrorism in the US when your "traditional family was stronger". How we define a family unit is a social construct and has (despite what you claim) changed over time. Thats just a few of the huge holes in your "argument".
Social Scientist and Diplomat
3 年Congrats Lisa! A very timely topic!