Swedish School Shooting Reflects Far Right Extremism

---

 


 The recent shooting at Risbergska school in Orebro, Sweden, which resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, including members of the Syrian and Bosnian communities, represents a deeply tragic occurrence that has profoundly impacted the nation.
Although investigations are still in progress and the authorities have not yet established a definitive motive, preliminary evidence suggests that the shooting may be connected to far-right extremist or xenophobic ideologies.
This incident shares alarming parallels with other acts of terrorism motivated by far-right beliefs, such as the attacks in Norway and New Zealand, where white supremacist ideologies incited lethal violence.
Probing motive
The circumstances surrounding the Orebro school shooting remain complex and not fully elucidated, with various potential motives currently being examined.
The alleged perpetrator, 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, reportedly took his own life following the incident.
An analysis of his background and behaviour suggests the presence of a personal grievance against local authorities, as well as a possible ideological inclination towards far-right extremism.
The shooter in the school shooting in Obrero, SwedenIt has been noted that Andersson had a confrontation with a social worker regarding the termination of his welfare benefits, and a video captured during the attack featured the phrase “out of Europe!”
This statement, along with the gunman’s evident social isolation and the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the victims, implies that xenophobic or anti-immigrant sentiments may have driven his actions.
Although law enforcement officials are exercising caution in disclosing information, the notion of a racially motivated assault has been considered, particularly in light of the fact that one of the victims, Salim Iskef, a Syrian Christian, was among those killed, alongside two Bosnian nationals.
These individuals were affiliated with immigrant communities, which positions the attack within a broader context of violence directed at immigrants and minority groups.
Norway, New Zealand attacks
The incidents in Norway (2011) and New Zealand (2019) serve as significant indicators of the escalating prevalence of far-right extremism and white supremacist violence on a global scale.
The mass murders perpetrated by Anders Behring Breivik in Norway in 2011, which specifically targeted young leftist activists, were driven by a deeply entrenched ideology characterised by anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, and anti-socialist sentiments.
Breivik positioned himself as a defender against what he perceived as an “Islamic invasion” of Europe, articulating his beliefs in a detailed manifesto.
A woman walking past tributes to victims of the Christchurch mosque shooting in New Zealand in March 2019In a parallel manner, the Christchurch Mosque shootings in New Zealand in 2019, executed by Australian national Brenton Tarrant, resulted in the deaths of 51 Muslim worshippers.
Tarrant’s motivations were similarly rooted in white supremacist ideology, with Breivik serving as a notable influence on his actions. He articulated a fear of an “immigrant invasion” and framed his assault as part of a larger “war” against multiculturalism.
Despite the geographical separation of these two events, they reflect a troubling pattern of far-right violence that has emerged in reaction to rising global migration, anxieties regarding demographic shifts, and an increase in anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant discourse.
Furthermore, both attacks were disseminated through various media channels in ways that sought to propagate far-right ideologies and incite further acts of violence.
Similar characteristics
The ongoing investigation into the Orebro shooting reveals characteristics reminiscent of previous attacks in Norway and New Zealand.
The shooter appears to be motivated by xenophobic and anti-immigrant sentiments, paralleling the ideologies that drove Breivik and Tarrant.
The utterance of “out of Europe!” during the incident suggests an alignment with the white supremacist beliefs that have underpinned other violent acts.
Additionally, the targeting of immigrants, including individuals from Syria and Bosnia, underscores the heightened risks faced by minority groups in Europe from far-right extremists.
While the specifics of whether the attack was premeditated or triggered by a personal dispute remain uncertain, it is crucial to consider the larger ideological backdrop of escalating far-right extremism.
The intensifying polarisation in political dialogue and the emergence of populist, nationalist movements globally have fostered an environment conducive to such ideologies, thereby exacerbating the threats to immigrants and minority populations.
Impact on Malaysian national security
The increase in far-right extremism and white supremacist violence observed in Europe and the Southern Hemisphere is a phenomenon that extends beyond these regions.
Malaysia, characterised by its multicultural demographic comprising ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indians, and immigrants from various Muslim-majority nations, must remain alert to the global threats posed by such ideologies.
Despite Malaysia’s distinct socio-political landscape compared to Europe, the worldwide dynamics of radicalisation suggest that the nation could still be influenced by the same forces that incite far-right extremism elsewhere.
There are multiple avenues through which Malaysia’s national security may be jeopardised by the global escalation of far-right violence.
For instance, similar to the situation in Orebro, immigrants in Malaysia, particularly those hailing from Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, may find themselves at risk of attacks fuelled by anti-immigrant sentiments.
Although Malaysia is generally known for its tolerance, the rising prevalence of far-right ideologies internationally could potentially incite analogous hate-driven violence within its borders.
Moreover, Malaysia might witness the emergence of far-right movements or individuals influenced by white supremacist ideologies, akin to those observed in Europe and New Zealand.
The internet and social media platforms serve as fertile grounds for the dissemination of extremist ideologies.
Malaysian youth, especially those who experience marginalization or disenfranchisement, as well as those who are misled by flawed religious ideologies, may be especially susceptible to these influences.
Government agencies and law enforcement must adopt a proactive stance in countering such movements before they gain a foothold.
The transnational character of far-right extremism also implies that attacks motivated by foreign incidents could have repercussions in Malaysia.
Should the extremist rhetoric associated with the attacks in Norway and New Zealand continue to resonate, Malaysia may confront the threat of copycat incidents or individuals who draw inspiration from these violent occurrences.
Malaysia, recognised as a significant entity in Southeast Asia, may encounter heightened regional tensions associated with far-right ideologies.
The proliferation of anti-immigrant sentiments stemming from far-right factions could intensify pre-existing security issues and foster divisions within Malaysian society. National security risks may emerge if these tensions escalate into violence.
Conclusion
The recent incident in Orebro, Sweden, potentially linked to far-right extremism, underscores the worldwide nature of such violence and the escalating threat posed by white supremacist ideologies.
The Risbergska school in Obrero, SwedenThe attacks in Norway and New Zealand serve as poignant reminders of the lethal ramifications of this trend.
For Malaysia, which boasts a diverse demographic and faces its own security dilemmas, the emergence of far-right terrorism represents a significant threat to national security.
The nation must remain alert to the possible proliferation of extremist ideologies and strive to promote social cohesion and inclusivity to protect against the global surge of hatred and violence.
It is imperative to enhance national security measures to counter the increasing sway of these ideologies, both domestically and within the larger global framework. - Mkini
R PANEIR SELVAM is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

---