Obama says drift towards extremism 'not inevitable'

What the report says

Barack Obama told a large audience in Glasgow that the world faces serious political and social pressures, but said a slide toward extremism is not unavoidable. Speaking at the OVO Hydro to about 12,150 people, the former US president discussed the impact of online platforms, warning that many now amplify anger and fear rather than hopeful civic action.

Obama said technology and social media, which he once saw as tools for democratic participation, can also be used by hate groups and by people spreading misinformation. He argued that there is a difficult balance between protecting free speech and setting rules to limit harmful content, and said governments and institutions need better ways to help people distinguish facts from falsehoods. He also said artificial intelligence could make that challenge even harder for democracy.

The remarks were made during a conversation with British journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera as part of a three-date UK speaking tour. Obama had already appeared in Belfast and was due to speak in Manchester. His comments touched on his time in the White House, the rise of populism, and the need to remember lessons from history about propaganda, scapegoating and political division.

Obama also made a broader case for hope, saying it is a choice people must actively make. He argued that, despite worsening polarization, societies can still improve over time if they remain committed to fairness, debate and democratic values.