Moderation and polarisation

A file picture showing participants at the World Economic Forum annual meeting standing under a sign reading ‘World Economic Forum’ at the Congress Centre in Davos. World leaders including France’s Francois Hollande, Germany’s Angela Merkel and China’s Li Keqiang will gather at the annual Davos forum running from Jan 21-24 seeking to chart a path away from fundamentalism towards solidarity. – AFP

THE Paris shootings shocked the world and signalled deep polarised views. Why are views so polarised everywhere?

Polarisation today is more acute than ever in all societies; protests in some, extremism in others. Syria is already in civil war, while 45% of people in Scotland voted for separation from the United Kingdom. Factionalism, fanaticism and nationalism arise when people become insecure about their jobs, health and security.