On the Concept of Extremism

The article discusses the analysis of approaches to the definition of the concept of “extremism”. The relevance of the study is predetermined by the importance of the qualitative organization of work to counter extremist activity, while the ambiguity of the meaning put into the concept of “extremism” gives rise to problems of qualifying certain actions (inactions) as extremist. The research methodology includes general methods of scientific research – systemic, logical, historical, as well as special methods, including the formal legal method, which allows for a contextual analysis of the legal meaning of the term “extremism”. An extensive methodology, theoretical and empirical foundations of the study made it possible to compare and generalize various views on the essence of extremism. The authors identify three dimensions in which it is proposed to explore the term under study: philosophical, socio-political, legal. The generalizing signs of extremism are indicated, the main of which is “extremism” in its many manifestations. The problems of type diversity of extremist activity are emphasized, in connection with which, it is concluded that it is impossible to build an exhaustive qualification of types of extremist activity by content. In addition, the article touches upon the problem of the essence of digital extremism as a currently popular social phenomenon on the example of the analysis of recent judicial practice. Finally, the authors come to the conclusion that the difficulties in understanding extremism are predetermined by the fact that the studied phenomenon itself is a complex of contradictions that arise between the individual, society and the state.