PRO DOMO NOSTRA

Abstract

This article seeks to analyze the reasons of mass and spontaneous support to radical Islamic movements both in developing and developed countries that claim the role of civilized guidance regarding other societies and communities, most of them Islamic. Reasons that justify mass behavior are always value perceptions of real social, economic and cultural factors. Zeroing in on such factors I single out prevailingly deep social gaps that stem from the very nature of the contemporary liberal patterns of economy and social life. Unemployment, poverty and deep social inequalities are real factors that are counter-productive in terms of Durkheim’s social solidarity. On the contrary, they permanently promote alienation of individuals and communities from formally enforced social norms and standards, or anomy. In this way, on individual plane social and psychic comingle. We have an increasing number of economically active people suffering from depression that explains their proclivity toward crime, suicidal behavior, alcoholism, drug abuse. The value crisis of the today liberal society and state are the very source of mass support to terrorism by its own young citizens. The terrorist organization exacting allegiance to common traditional values may prove an alternative to the degrading institutional order of the “civilized societies”. That is why the path toward prevailing over terrorism goes across rendering the today society and state again vibrant and healthy that is tantamount to reestablish effective communal relations and state institutions. The latter can be achieved just in case people, statesmen and politicians cast away any illusions about the liberal arrangements of economy and society.