TransConflict organized a fourth working breakfast, entitled ‘Understanding far right extremism’, as part of the project, ‘Understanding and combating extremism in Serbia’.

As the process and result in the trial of Anders Breivik shows, a true liberal democracy outlaws actions, not ideas – in contrast to totalitarian systems, which brands certain ideas as insane and/or criminal. 

TransConflict yesterday launched its new project, entitled ‘Understanding and combating extremism in Serbia’, which is designed to improve understanding about – and formulate responses to – extremism in Serbia by engaging representatives of parties from across the political spectrum, civil society organizations, academics and the media.

Amidst a profound economic and financial crisis, Europe’s leaders must not ignore the rising popularity of extreme right-wing parties and radical anti-immigrant movements, and the threat they pose to multi-culturalism.

It is the emergence of homogeneous thought and dogmatism – impermeable to dialogue with anyone perceived to be outside the group, and built around rigid understandings of identity and enmity – that fuels the threat of terrorism.