Anzac spirit meets extremism surge: a moral crossroads

A record number of children turned out to commemorate Anzac Day yet here we are compelled to confront a disturbing phenomenon: the radicalisation of youth in our own backyard.

Young children attend the Upper Coomera war memorial for the 2024 Anzac Day ceremony.

This past week has presented Australia with a profound juxtaposition: the heartening sight of a record number of children turning out to commemorate Anzac Day, a poignant symbol of unity and patriotism, against the sombre backdrop of the arrest of seven youths allegedly engaged in extremist activities.

Anzac Day has evolved to become more than a commemoration and remembrance of the service of our armed forces. It is quickly becoming a day that galvanises our national identity and gives much-wanted permission to all Australians to be unashamedly patriotic. The involvement of children in such numbers this year is particularly significant – it symbolises the transmission of these values to the next generation.

The arrest of seven teenagers, suspected of plotting acts of terror illustrates the dark path individuals can take when alienated and misled by destructive ideologies.

The country finds itself at a daunting moral crossroads. We are compelled to confront a disturbing phenomenon: the radicalisation of youth in our own backyard. It is an issue that threatens not just our safety but the foundational values of our society.

The juxtaposition of these two events within the same week throws into sharp relief the work that remains to be done. While Anzac Day reflects the values we aspire to, the Sydney arrests highlight the vulnerabilities and dangers we must still address. Both events involve our youth, and both significantly impact our national psyche, yet represent diametrically opposed visions of our future.

The police operations that unfolded this week in Sydney are uncomfortable and shocking but must be acknowledged for what they are. That pockets of teenagers, born in this great nation, have somehow found themselves in a position where they deem that the best path forward is to turn against their fellow Aussies. Combating the allure of extremist ideologies to some young individuals isn’t just a matter of law enforcement; it’s a psychological battle against narratives that exploit vulnerabilities.

The pathway to radicalisation often begins at an age where identity and belonging are paramount concerns. Adolescents are at a stage in life characterised by questioning and, sometimes, rebellion against societal norms. When these natural tendencies meet a sense of alienation or disenfranchisement, the stage is set for radical ideologies to take root.

Extremist groups, with a cunning understanding of psychology, target these individuals through social media platforms, discussion forums and other online channels. They present a narrative that resonates deeply with personal grievances, often portraying themselves as the only solution to the injustices these young people perceive they are facing.

The process is insidious and gradually it introduces them to a worldview that sees no grey, only black and white. As these young individuals take steps towards deeper involvement, they develop bonds with members of these extremist groups. Such relationships reinforce radical beliefs and create an echo chamber, isolating them from diverse perspectives. Consolidation of these beliefs leads to a point where the individual no longer sees themselves as separate from the extremist cause.

The response to this issue must be multifaceted, involving leadership at all levels of society. Politically, it requires courage and clarity. Leaders must set aside the fear of offending and address the root causes of radicalisation with transparency and determination.

It is not enough to react with law enforcement measures alone. We must proactively engage with communities to build resilience against extremist narratives.

Intervention strategies must focus on inclusion and engagement. Programs that integrate young people more fully into the wider community, provide them with meaningful roles and pursuits, and acknowledge their voices can help fill the void extremist groups exploit. Education is also critical, and schools should be equipped to teach critical thinking and emotional intelligence, helping students navigate the complex media landscape they encounter.

Similarly, religious leaders play a crucial role, providing a powerful counter-narrative to violent extremism. Their condemnation of terrorism, combined with efforts to promote a peaceful interpretation of the religion itself, is vital. They can offer a sense of belonging and identity that is inclusive, peaceful, and respectful of diverse views.

Australia stands at a crossroads. We can choose to fortify our society against the spread of extremist ideologies by fostering an environment where tough but open dialogue on sensitive issues is encouraged, not stifled, or deflected. Our commitment to a successful inclusive and multicultural country must not prevent us from confronting and addressing the ideologies that threaten it.

We must strike a balance between safeguarding our values of freedom and tolerance, and taking decisive action against forces that would undermine them.

The contrast this week between the unity of Anzac Day and the division represented by the uncovering of a “youth terror cell” is a call to action. It reminds us our commitment to a peaceful and inclusive Australia must be vigilant and unwavering. We must ensure the spirit of Anzac – its values of bravery, sacrifice and unity – is not just remembered on one day but is imbued in the everyday lives and choices of our young people. Our unity in this cause, and our identification as Australians before anything else, is our strongest weapon.

Clare Rowe is a Sydney-based psychologist.