Community-based strategies prevent violent extremism among youth
In trying to make sense of the world, youth can be drawn to radicalisation. There is a growing body of literature on youth radicalisation, but the majority does not take into account young people’s opinions. The EU-funded CONNEKT project gave youth a strong voice in understanding the phenomenon of violent extremism. It recognised young people as agents of prevention and their right to have a say in the issues that affect them. It also endeavoured to better comprehend grievances that may lead young people to radicalisation.
Making youth the focal point in tackling violent extremism
“The idea is to turn youth from being the ‘problem’ into the ‘key’ for a solution,” explains CONNEKT scientific coordinator Lurdes Vidal Bertran. “Their engagement in the design of prevention measures, besides empowering them, is a determining factor in guaranteeing the relevance and legitimacy of prevention strategies and in contributing to better adoption.” The scientists analysed seven potential radicalisation factors among youth aged between 12 and 30 at transnational/state, community and individual levels. These were: religion; digital socialisation; economic deprivation; territorial inequalities; transnational dynamics; political issues; and educational, cultural and leisure opportunities. The focus was on local community authorities, organisations and leaders as the main actors of prevention.
From research to practice
The CONNEKT team mapped past and present country strategies and approaches towards radicalisation and violent extremism in Europe, the Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia). This mapping helped to identify the main actors and existing frameworks and policies at state and local levels in preventing radicalisation and violent extremism. The extensive research resulted in eight prevention toolkits – one for each country studied. They are a set of very practical, on-the-ground, tailor-made strategies and initiatives implemented in specific contexts relating to a particular country or topic. However, they are also replicable and transferable. For example, the toolkit for civil society organisations and community actors to mitigate local threats in Jordan focuses on economic deprivation and digital socialisation as drivers of radicalisation. Taking into account these drivers and the contexts of social interaction (political and social participation, socialisation/education, cultural and leisure activities), this toolkit empowers youth through digital literacy to build resilience and create pathways for self-improvement and economic prosperity. The tools can be replicated in other countries with a similar combination of drivers and contexts of social interaction. To complement the toolkits, a set of cross-regional guidelines provide local authorities with ideas and suggestions on how to better deal with radicalisation and violent extremist movements at home in their municipalities and local contexts.
A matter of policy
To bridge the gap between research and policymaking, CONNEKT published several policy papers aimed at translating research findings into practical and useful recommendations for multilevel policymakers in the target countries and the EU. Most were also accompanied by policy briefs summarising the most relevant conclusions and recommendations. “CONNEKT’s added value is its multidisciplinary approach that de-securitises prevention by focusing on contexts and their local and community actors,” concludes Bertran. “It goes from the collection of primary data and strong academic research to the action-oriented, ready-to-use tools for target beneficiaries beyond the scope of the project.”
Keywords
CONNEKT, radicalisation, youth, violent extremism, young people, community resilience