Combatting radical extremism
Protecting society from the devastating consequences of radical extremism is challenging. For practical solutions to be effective, research needs to better understand violent radicalised groups and individuals and what motivates them. This means investigating the root causes of radicalisation and the time period when moderate radical thinking and action develop into violent and illegal activities. With the support of EU funding, the 'Scientific approach to finding indicators of and responses to radicalisation' (SAFIRE) project worked toward a deeper understanding of radicalisation. The overall aim was to use this knowledge to design and analyse measures to counteract the adoption of extreme political, social or religious principles and ambitions. The project analysed criminal law in relation to radicalisation to identify what type of behaviour connected to radicalisation is a crime. Research was also carried out that addressed ethical issues. Following a literature review, a report was produced that identified the various factors associated with radicalisation that result in violence or terrorism. This led to an analysis of violent extremist groups and individuals in Europe. More than 80 intervention initiatives dealing with radicalisation were assessed. The findings will have implications for design, implementation and policymaking. another report validated the factors related to radicalisation at individual, group and society levels, and compared the effectiveness of interventions at different stages in the radicalisation process with earlier study findings. SAFIRE presented practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and security and legal professionals with a comprehensive and coherent approach to understanding radicalisation. It has also given them the tools to implement more effective intervention programmes that keep people from becoming violent extremists.
Keywords
Extremism, radicalisation, violence, terrorism, intervention programmes
