Of regiments and radicals: The critical need for empowering youth as radical agents of change

Youth have been, and continue to be, at the forefront of radical positive social change that advances human condition. Historically major movements seeking change, equality, justice been driven by youth. The role youth in facilitating is particularly relevant today more than half world’s population currently under 25, a third 15. While some see this “youth bulge” demographic as uninformed vulnerable extremism exploitation, we reject deficit model them capable of, already engaging in, transformational thought action. This paper argues broad field engagement would benefit from examining contributions upholding or challenging status quo through varying forms civic engagement. We seek guide research practice ways distinguish types better reflect its potential for change. Therefore, article does three things: (1) distinguishes regimented involvement extremism; (2) contexts environments where operate; (3) provides conceptual framework study apply key aspects both, regimented,