Research: From safety valve to pressure cooker: when silencing speech fuels extremism

An essay written by Jacob Mchangama, part of a series of essays on defending free speech commissioned by Robin Simcox, the former Commissioner for Countering Extremism.

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This essay explores the growing tension between counter-extremism efforts and freedom of speech.

It examines how even well-intentioned democracies like the UK, France and Germany risk eroding civil liberties, and how authoritarian states have made ‘extremism’ a catch-all excuse to silence dissent.

The essay considers the paradox of censorship - why suppressing extremist speech can make society less safe - and argues for a more principled path that defends both security and liberty.

These essays have been independently commissioned. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the UK Government or the Commission for Countering Extremism.

These essays were commissioned to present a diverse range of perspectives from authors with contrasting or conflicting opinions on this issue. They are provided to contribute to this vital discussion and do not imply agreement or endorsement by any associated organisations or individuals.