In "The Idea of Justice," Amartya Sen argues that extremism stems more from political factors than from religious beliefs. He emphasizes that the motivations behind extremist actions often relate to political grievances, social injustice, and disenfranchisement rather than a deep-rooted ideological commitment to a specific religion. This perspective suggests that addressing political issues can be more effective in mitigating extremism than focusing solely on religious narratives.

Sen's view challenges the common assumption that religious extremism is primarily driven by faith. Instead, he points out that many individuals turn to extreme measures due to feeling marginalized or oppressed within their political contexts. By understanding the underlying political dimensions, efforts to combat extremism can be more targeted and effective in fostering social cohesion and justice.