Exiled Voices Champion Worldwide Anti-Extremism Movement

To Khalid Ramizy, the dangers of extremism are all too real. For years, he led the Afghanistan Economic and Legal Studies Organization (AELSO), an Atlas Network partner think tank focused on reaching Afghans with the ideas and values of a free society. The group’s activities were frequently successful, even though they faced danger from anti-liberty extremists. But when the Taliban took power in August 2021, Khalid learned he was on their hit list, and the danger became much more immediate.

With support from Atlas Network and other allies, Khalid orchestrated a daring escape for his family and colleagues. Disguised in traditional clothing and carrying minimal belongings, they navigated multiple Taliban checkpoints to reach the Kabul airport. He meticulously erased all digital traces, cleaning his mobile phones of documents and contacts. After enduring 24 grueling hours without food or shelter near the runway, they finally secured passage on a flight to safety.

“I left my country with tears but with a heart and mind full of motivation and ideas to stand against the groups dedicated to destroying freedom and life of the people,” he said.

Khalid first migrated to the United States, where he began working as a research scholar at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Governance and Markets. He now lives in Canada and continues to lead AELSO’s mission from abroad, focusing on digital initiatives fostering liberty in Afghanistan.

While continuing to advocate for the freedom movement in Afghanistan, Khalid has expanded his mission worldwide by founding the World Anti-Extremism Network (WAEN) inspired by his own experiences.

WAEN is a group of resilient leaders and freedom activists who have directly experienced the harsh realities of extremism and authoritarian regimes. These individuals, united by their common experiences and unyielding conviction, have formed a global network in the United States and Canada to resist violent extremism and tyranny across the world. Working from the safety of their new homes, WAEN members use their unique perspectives and worldwide connections to influence change in some of the world’s most difficult situations.

The organization’s objective goes beyond boundaries, working to abolish impediments to individual freedom and opportunity in areas where these rights are in danger. WAEN’s leaders work to prevent radicalization and maintain stability in places prone to extremist influence, drawing on their experience in countering extremist and authoritarian ideas. Their efforts are especially effective in nations and locations where direct engagement is impossible or hazardous, allowing them to stand up for others who are unable to do so freely.

WAEN’s strategy represents the potential of diaspora groups and exiled voices in shaping global efforts against extremism, proving that distance from one’s country can be turned into a strategic advantage in the battle for freedom and dignity across the world. The group employs a multifaceted approach, including research, conferences, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with governments and non-governmental organizations.

The World Anti-Extremism Network established the Toronto Democracy Forum to address the rise of extremism and authoritarianism, as well as their detrimental effects on democracy and human rights. With authoritarianism on the rise in many countries around the world, WAEN recognized the need for a collaborative space where experts and activists could work together to develop solutions.

The topic of the inaugural forum, held in November 2024, was “Healing the World by Defending Freedom and Countering Oppression.” This conference brought together over 100 people from more than 15 nations to develop collaboration on urgent problems of freedom, democracy, and human rights. WAEN’s planned yearly event seeks to provide an ongoing venue for conversation, strategy creation, and collective action in the face of global threats to democratic ideals.

Speakers emphasized several key strategies for combating extremism and promoting democracy, including strengthening classical liberal ideals and free expression, supporting women as change agents, engaging youth in civic involvement, and leveraging technology to fight digital authoritarianism.

“We are witnessing an alarming rise in violence, radical ideologies, and growing threats to democracy, freedom, and human rights worldwide,” Khalid said. “Our goal was to create a collaborative, innovative, and solution-oriented space to strengthen democratic values and freedom worldwide.”

Forum speakers emphasized the intricate connection between human rights, freedom, and extremism throughout the program. Notable addresses included Li Schoolland’s personal account of life under dictatorship in Mao’s China and Dr. Tom G. Palmer’s insights on building international partnerships to counter authoritarianism.

The forum also celebrated freedom advocates from around the world at the WAEN’s Prosperity Dinner. Atlas Network Executive Vice President Tom G. Palmer presented awards honoring those who champion liberty in challenging circumstances, including Cato Institute Senior Fellow Mustafa Akyol for his work on Islam and modernity, Ken Schoolland for his book introducing young readers to the ideas of liberty and free markets, and the late Linda Whetstone and David Boaz for their significant contributions to advancing human flourishing.

As WAEN continues to grow, its impact will be measured not only in its worldwide reach and initiatives launched but in the individuals empowered to stand up against authoritarianism in all its forms. Atlas Network is investing in this mission by contributing funding for their work—including sponsoring the Toronto Democracy Forum—and providing professional development training. Before founding WAEN, Khalid honed his leadership skills at Atlas Network Academy’s intensive six-day Executive Accelerator workshop. As an Atlas Network partner, the organization has also had the opportunity to connect with a community of potential allies. Indeed, many of those present at the forum hailed from organizations that also partner with Atlas Network. This international cooperation is a core part of WAEN’s strategy to make a difference in countering anti-freedom ideas.

In a world increasingly threatened by radicalism and extremism, speakers and voices like Khalid’s are an essential part of ensuring a future where liberty can thrive. The Toronto Democracy Forum was an important step toward that future and a declaration that democracy stands strong against oppression.

“My hope for WAEN is to empower and foster a new generation of leaders in countries most affected by extremism and authoritarianism,” Khalid said. “I see WAEN as a beacon of hope and enlightenment, equipping youth, scholars, and activists with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to drive meaningful and lasting change in their communities to defend freedom.”