Culture as a social shield against terrorism

in the context of global threats associated with the spread of radical ideologies and terrorist activity, the study of culture as a key factor in countering terrorism is of particular importance. This article is aimed at a comprehensive theoretical and methodological substantiation of culture as a social shield that strengthens the resilience of society to extremist influences. Culture is considered not only as a set of symbolic practices and norms, but also as a tool for forming social identity, trust, collective memory and moral solidarity. The work analyzes the concepts of social capital, resilience, social cohesion and counter-narratives in the context of counter-terrorism prevention. The article shows that culture helps reduce anxiety, forms self-organization mechanisms, strengthens horizontal ties between social groups and increases the level of interpersonal and institutional trust. Culture serves as a platform for the formation of alternative narratives that can neutralize extremist propaganda. The findings emphasize the need to introduce cultural strategies into state and public policies aimed at preventing terrorism and violent radicalism.

resilience, terrorism, culture, social shield, cultural strategies, public policy, terrorism prevention, radicalism, cultural systems, cultural identity