"The Long View," a BBC Radio 4 program presented by journalist, broadcaster, and author Jonathan Freedland, explores contemporary issues through historical parallels. This approach helps highlight the cyclical nature of human experiences and the importance of historical understanding in addressing current challenges.
It is an approach used to introduce stories included in the Notting Dale walks, where stories from the past can provide the context to help our walkers appreciate the complexity of modern issues, be they designs on ‘making poverty history’.
, how refugees and migrants successfully integrate into a neighbourhood socially and economically, the shock to a neighbourhood that can occur from a calamity in a far-off place, the richness of ideas and intellectual thought that migrants may bring, and the ongoing threat from radicalisation and terrorism. This is all in the context of standing on the pavements and by buildings that bear witness to the turmoil of the last two hundred years.
These narratives highlight the repetition of economic cycles, political disputes, and social uprisings throughout history, unveiling the hidden patterns and influences that may not be readily evident in present-day news coverage. They demonstrate the potential for us to glean insights from past events, avoiding the repetition of errors, drawing inspiration from agents of change and reform, and increasing our awareness of our own blind spots.
Could reflecting on these stories of how past societies handled similar challenges help a new generation appreciate which strategies were effective and which were not, and inform better decision-making in the present?
This historical perspective is crucial for understanding and addressing many contemporary issues. It is the threat of radicalisation and terrorism which is the focus of this blog.
A Local Story: The Assassination of Governor Michael O'Dwyer and wounding of the Earl of Zetland
One of the stories featured in the Notting Dale walk is "The Earl, the Assassin, and the Charity Box,". It is a story that links local places in Notting Date to the assassination of Michael O'Dwyer by Udham Singh and highlights the importance and limitations of modern counter-radicalization efforts, specifically the Prevent program.
On March 13, 1940, Udham Singh assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in retaliation for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He had recently been to Notting Dale to ‘borrow’ the funds from the charity box at the Gurdwara to buy his weapon from an arms dealer called James Arthur Jones.
Udham Singh was immediately arrested.
At his trial, which began on June 4, 1940, at the Old Bailey, Singh confessed to the assassination, stating that he did it to avenge the atrocities committed against his countrymen revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, when O'Dwyer was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. The jury found him guilty of murder, and he was sentenced to death. Udham Singh was weighed and measured for Albert Pierrepoint, and hung on July 31, 1940, at Pentonville Prison in London. Udham Singh became one of the 400-600 people Pierrepoint executed which included some of the most notorious criminals and Nazi war criminals of the 20th century.
Singh's act was driven by a mix of deep personal, socioeconomic, political, cultural, and religious grievances, illustrating the complex factors that can lead to radicalization.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in particular had a profound affect Singh albeit there is no evidence that he witnessed it directly. However he was brought up immersed its story amongst people who had survived, fostering a strong sense of injustice and a desire for vengeance in the young orphan, Udham Singh.
British colonial policies had led to widespread poverty and lack of opportunities, exacerbating resentment. The repression of anti-colonial activities further fuelled political discontent and resistance, while the suppression of Indian culture and identity under British rule intensified the struggle for independence. His involvement with revolutionary networks provided a sense of belonging and purpose, reinforcing his own radical resolve.
Singh's actions were also seen as fulfilling a religious duty to avenge the massacre victims, and that it recognised to this day in schools named after him and memorial remembering him.
Its Modern Relevance: The Prevent Program
The Prevent program was established in 2003 as part of the UK's broader counter-terrorism strategy. Its aim is to stop individuals from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Initially focused primarily on Islamist extremism, the program has since broadened to address all forms of extremism, including far right and other ideologies that promote violence.
The program's effectiveness partly depends on addressing grievances similar to those identified in historical contexts. Recognizing and addressing historical injustices can help heal grievances that might otherwise fuel radicalization.
Providing avenues for political expression and addressing legitimate grievances can reduce the appeal of radical actions. Strengthening community networks can help individuals channel their grievances constructively. Raising awareness about historical events and their contemporary parallels can foster understanding and resilience against radicalisation.
What lessons might we have learnt?
To prevent incidents similar to the assassination of Michael O'Dwyer, it is crucial to address the root causes of radicalisation through comprehensive strategies, particularly at the community level. Identifying individuals at risk of radicalisation and providing them with support can help mitigate potential threats. Promoting counter-narratives to extremist ideologies and ensuring online safety can reduce the spread of radical content.
Strengthening institutions and communities to withstand extremist influences builds greater resilience in the community. The original Prevent programme was sometimes criticised for being too focussed on the Islamist threat with the rise of Daesh and its related terror groups. However, as history shows, these threats can come from anywhere on the vast spectrum of groups and individuals may become alienated, and priorities and programmes
Prevent is implemented through a multi-agency approach involving local authorities, police, education, health services, and community organizations. Local authorities coordinate activities by setting up Channel panels that assess referrals and develop support plans for individuals at risk of radicalization. The Channel program, a voluntary and confidential part of Prevent, provides tailored support through professionals from various sectors. In the education sector, schools and universities promote British values, identify students at risk, and train staff to recognize signs of radicalization.
Community engagement efforts focus on building trust and cooperation with local leaders, religious organizations, and civil society groups to build resilience against extremist narratives. There are a wide range of training programs raise awareness of radicalization signs among professionals in education, healthcare, and other sectors.
Conclusions
"The Long View" illustrates the importance of understanding history to address contemporary issues. By drawing parallels between past and present, the program highlights the cyclical nature of human experiences.
Historical analogies shared on the walk not only encourage people to think critically about the past but also about the present. These parallels challenge individuals to consider not just the similarities but also the differences, fostering a more nuanced understanding of history's relevance.
Experiencing the walk where history comes alive through storytelling and analysis promotes greater awareness of local history. The story of "The Earl, the Assassin, and the Charity Box" underscores how grievances, if left unaddressed, can lead to radical actions. For local governments working on community safety and de-radicalisation programs like Prevent, such historical insights can be invaluable.
By addressing the root causes of radicalisation and implementing comprehensive strategies, together we can work towards preventing the cycle of radicalisation and violence, ensuring a safer and more cohesive future.
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