Final answer:
Extremist organizations are groups that promote and sometimes enact violence to achieve ideological, religious, or political objectives. Activities include terrorism, kidnappings, and other crimes to further their causes. The polarization phase is significant in extremist strategies, and a coordinated international approach is necessary to counter these groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Extremist Organizations and Activities
Extremist organizations are typically groups that hold and promote extreme beliefs, often to the point of advocating and employing violence to further their ideological, religious, or political goals. Activities of such organizations may involve a range of illegal and often violent actions including terrorism, cybercrimes, human rights violations, and various forms of financial crimes. They operate based on the notion that their ends justify their means, which often leads to radical actions that can include attacks, hijackings, kidnappings, and targeted killings.
One of the most notable phases of extremism is polarization, where groups are driven apart, creating an 'us versus them' mentality. In this phase, extremists may use propaganda to sow discord and may target moderate individuals that could oppose or moderate their actions. International responses to such movements include sanctions, security for moderate leaders, and opposing coups d'état by extremists.
In a global context, terrorism has become a major security concern, particularly following high-profile attacks such as those on September 11, 2001. Religious extremism has caused significant political disputes worldwide, and is not confined to a single faith or ideology. Examples of Islamist extremist groups include Al-Qaeda and ISIS, although there are also examples of extremism associated with other religions and secular ideologies. The threat posed by these groups is transnational, requiring a coordinated international response to effectively counter their influence and actions.