Political and religious extremism pose significant threats to mankind today, though other factors such as climate change, economic instability, and technological risks are equally dangerous.
I. Introduction
- Hook: Threats to mankind in the form of extremist ideologies often dominate headlines and incite fear globally.
- Background: Overview of recent instances of political and religious extremism.
- Thesis Statement: Political and religious extremism pose significant threats to mankind today, though other factors such as climate change, economic instability, and technological risks are equally dangerous.
II. Supporting View 1: Political Extremism
- Topic Sentence: Political extremism destabilises societies and endangers lives.
- Example 1: The Syrian civil war (2011-present) has caused immense suffering.
- Example 2: Venezuela’s political crisis (2013-present) led to mass displacement.
- Example 3: Myanmar’s military coup (2021) resulted in widespread violence.
- Analysis: These examples show how political extremism disrupts peace and stability.
III. Supporting View 2: Religious Extremism
- Topic Sentence: Religious extremism incites violence and terror.
- Example 1: Boko Haram’s insurgency in Nigeria (2010-present) caused many deaths.
- Example 2: Sri Lanka’s Easter bombings (2019) killed hundreds.
- Example 3: ISIS attacks in Europe (2015-2017) spread fear and chaos.
- Analysis: These instances highlight the lethal impact of religious extremism.
IV. Supporting View 3: Global Influence of Extremism
- Topic Sentence: Extremism’s global reach amplifies its threat to mankind.
- Example 1: Spread of far-right movements in Europe (2015-present).
- Example 2: Rise of jihadist groups in Africa (2010-present).
- Example 3: Influence of extremist ideologies on social media (2010-present).
- Analysis: The global influence of extremism intensifies its danger to mankind.
V. Opposing View 1: Climate Change
- Topic Sentence: Climate change poses a more existential threat.
- Example 1: Australia’s bushfires (2019-2020) devastated ecosystems.
- Example 2: Floods in South Asia (2020) displaced millions.
- Example 3: Droughts in Africa (2015-present) exacerbated food insecurity.
- Analysis: These events demonstrate the severe impact of climate change on human survival.
VI. Opposing View 2: Economic Instability
- Topic Sentence: Economic instability threatens global stability and is a threat to mankind.
- Example 1: Greece’s debt crisis (2010-2018) caused widespread hardship.
- Example 2: Argentina’s financial crisis (2018-present) led to severe poverty.
- Example 3: Lebanon’s economic collapse (2019-present) resulted in mass protests.
- Analysis: Economic instability can destabilise nations and affect millions.
VII. Opposing View 3: Technological Risks
- Topic Sentence: Technological advancements can also pose significant threats.
- Example 1: Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine (2015-present).
- Example 2: Data privacy breaches in Europe (2015-present).
- Example 3: AI misuse concerns in China (2010-present).
- Analysis: These examples highlight the dangers of unchecked technological advancements.
VIII. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: Political and religious extremism pose significant threats, but other factors such as climate change, economic instability, and technological risks are equally dangerous.
- Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
- Final Thought: Addressing these threats requires a comprehensive approach that considers all potential dangers to mankind.
Reading References:
- Hoffman, Bruce. Inside Terrorism. Columbia University Press, 2017.
- Stern, Jessica, and J.M. Berger. ISIS: The State of Terror. Ecco, 2015.
- Mann, Michael E. The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics, and Driving Us Crazy. Columbia University Press, 2016.
- Old but still gold: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2005/10/21/in-gods-name-evaluating-the-links-between-religious-extremism-and-terrorism/