Ideological

The Ideological Response Project‘s main premise is the belief that terrorism is a by-product of extremism. It is neither poverty nor the lack of education, but ideological indoctrination that spawns and sustains extremism and terrorism. To reduce the threat of terrorism at a strategic level, ICPVTR seeks to formulate appropriate responses to challenge radical ideas.

Ideological response involves mapping the ideology of both extremist and terrorist groups in order to develop correct understanding of concepts such as jihad, fatwa, Syariah, Ijtihad etc. Mapping of ideology of these groups will also aid in understanding issues involving the basis of relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims, and the establishment of Islamic States. It is thus necessary to engage religious scholars who provide interpretations of religious texts that are misused by radical extremists to further their propaganda. These interpretations by religious scholars then need to be disseminated among the wider community through appropriate channels.