poli sci 333 - countering and preventing violent extremism

study for poli sci 333 final

what is P/CVE?

• p/cve - preventing and countering violent extremism

  • goal is to prevent radicalization, counter violent extremism, and reduce harm

• use formers (former radicalized individuals) to work as mentors/research collabs/practitioners

what is the value of formers?

access to close communities, trust of insider cred, rapport, analysis of codes or nuance

what is deradicalization?

change in ideology and giving up radical ideas

what is disengagement/desistance?

change in behavior and giving up violent action

what are the three levels of intervention?

1. primary - general population, prevent radicalization before it starts

2. secondary - at-risk individuals groups, intervene early

3. tertiary - already radicalized individuals, reduce harm and support reintegration

what are examples of primary prevention?

community cohesion programs, school curriculum with goal of prevent radicalization before it starts

what are examples of secondary prevention?

mentorship referrals and targeted outreach with goal of intervening

what are examples of tertiary prevention?

deradicalization programs, exit hotlines, prison interventions goal to reduce harm and support reintegration

why is terrorism prevention difficult?

• radical opinions are far more common than actions

• heavy-handed responses can accelerate process you are trying to stop

• no reliable profile distinguishes violent from non-violent radicals

what is the uk prevent program?

• introduced in 2003 but expanded in 2005 after london bombings

• goal was to stop vulnerable people from becoming radicalized and reduce support for terrorism

what is prevent duty in 2015? and channel?

legal obligation for teachers, civil workers to identify and refer individuals

• channel - referrals undergo risk assessment and 20% enter deradicaliztion sessions

why is the prevent program controversial?

• described as toxic brand by uk muslim community

• cctv installed in muslim neighborhoods using counter-terrorism funding

• manchester bomber reported four times before attack thru/using program

what is the aarhus model?

• built on schools, school authorities and police (ssp) to provide collaboration

• doesn’t target ideology directly but moves individuals toward legal means meeting human needs

how does aarhus treat returning foreign fighters?

as clients not criminals with provided mentors, counseling, employment, and homes