Introduction
A radical is an individual or organization advocating extensive social or political changes. It is a concept that goes back many centuries in human history as a way of describing those people who would break through the conventional boundaries in order to effect meaningful social or political change. In the current political landscape, the term “radical” has become increasingly intertwined with terrorism and extremist beliefs, though not all radicals are inherently violent.

What is a Radical?
At its core, the term radical describes someone who seeks to go beyond the accepted norms or rules of society in order to bring about substantial change. Radicals strive to alter the structure and nature of political and social systems, usually by action. Typically they take into account the atmosphere and cultural identities of the area in which they are living and will form a strategy based on the circumstances. Individuals or organizations may have a radical approach to anything from human rights to the environment.

Radicals Versus Extremists
It is important to understand the differences between a radical and an extremist. Radicals have the goal of making positive changes to a difficult political or social situation, while an extremist will often attempt to impose their ideas on others through threat or force. Radicals strive to make changes through non-violent action and civil disobedience, while extremists seek to violently overthrow existing authority. It is important to distinguish between the two concepts, as extremists can easily be falsely labeled as radicals.

Conclusion
Radicals are individuals and organizations that push for social or political change often by taking action beyond the accepted norms or rules of society. They differ from extremists in that radicals strive to make the change through non-violent action and civil disobedience, whereas extremists often impose their ideas on others with violence or threats. Radicals have been a part of human history throughout the ages and continue to play an important role in providing a platform for progress.