In this episode of the Trending Echoes podcast by Trends Research and Advisory, journalist and political writer Khalid Umar bin Qaqqa delves into the causes of extremism, challenging the Western view that terrorism stems solely from economic and social factors.

He highlights the critical role ideology plays in the Arab world, particularly pointing to the Muslim Brotherhood’s dangerous impact on national stability.

Mr Khalid explains how extremist religious ideologies create social disruption, threaten state institutions, and distort governance. He also discusses the complex nature of terrorism in the region, noting how different Arab countries approach religious parties in various ways, and emphasizes that despite these differences, terrorism remains a shared threat.

The conversation also explores how intellectual production often flourishes in times of crisis, leading to greater creative and academic output as societies grapple with the effects of terrorism.

Mr Khalid stresses the importance of dialogue and understanding, urging a rejection of extremist ideologies and calling for a continued focus on resilience, security, and intellectual growth.