Violent extremism refers to a radical ideology, doctrine or extreme idea, devoted to fomenting anti-democratic, illegal acts and policies aimed at achieving fundamental social change refers to a radical ideology, doctrine or extreme idea, devoted to fomenting anti-democratic, illegal acts and policies aimed at achieving fundamental social change. Extremist violence refers to illegal activities and violence motivated by an extremist view of the world that can, at its most extreme, also lead to terrorism. (Towards a Cohesive Society : Action Plan to Prevent Violent Extremism, 2012)