An evidence-based approach to preventing violent extremism
With radicalisation on the rise, practitioners and policymakers across Europe are looking for a more efficient and effective route to preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). For the EU-funded INDEED project, this means taking an evidence-based approach to the problem. “We aim to strengthen the knowledge, capacity and skills of first-line professionals, policymakers and researchers in the effective design, planning, implementation and evaluation of initiatives geared towards preventing and countering the radicalisation that can lead to violent extremism and terrorism,” explains Marzena Kordaczuk-Wąs from the Polish Platform for Homeland Security, the project’s coordinator.
A one-stop shop for preventing and countering violent extremism
To empower first-line professionals, support policymakers and help researchers working in the field, the project developed a groundbreaking resource space – the INDEED Toolkit. “The toolkit offers a practical, comprehensive and multilingual set of tools for designing and evaluating P/CVE and deradicalisation initiatives with the use of evidence-based principles, tools, guidebooks, training and related learning materials,” says Kordaczuk-Wąs. A key component of the toolkit is the evidence-based evaluation model, which lays out a framework for effectively evaluating P/CVE, deradicalisation and other crime prevention initiatives. It helps guide users through the different components of the evidence-based evaluation process, including preparation, design, execution and utilisation. The model served as the foundation for designing the evidence-based evaluation tool, which assists in planning, designing and conducting evidence-based evaluations.
Research on what facilitates and prevents radicalisation
Another important aspect of the toolkit is the INDEED digital repository of studies on risk and protective factors. This library provides an overview of the scientific research on those factors that may facilitate or help build resilience against radicalisation. “The goal is to build and maintain tools that help bring the world of practice, policy and science closer together, enabling the efficient application of the results derived from evidence-based research to act more effectively in the field of P/CVE,” notes INDEED project manager Natalia Jarmużek-Troczyńska. The toolkit is backed by a suite of on-site and online training designed to strengthen the skills needed to implement the evidence-based design and evaluation of preventive measures.
Bringing together actors working on deradicalisation initiatives
The project also established a network of SMART Hubs in 15 different countries. Each hub brings together local actors interested or actively involved in the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of P/CVE and deradicalisation initiatives. “A key strength of the project was building a broad INDEED community, engaging with local and national stakeholders through the SMART Hubs, and organising activities with relevant target groups,” adds Jarmużek-Troczyńska. “This inclusive approach fostered continuous engagement and stakeholder ownership, increasing the project’s long-term impact.” Evidence-based evaluations of initiatives for countering and preventing violent extremism and radicalisation The INDEED project succeeded at delivering a comprehensive tool for planning evidence-based evaluations of P/CVE initiatives. “Our mission was to foster a culture of evaluation and promote an evidence-based approach to the issue of preventing and countering violent extremism,” concludes Kordaczuk-Wąs. “While INDEED has made significant progress in this area, ongoing efforts and collaboration are needed to fully embed this culture and ensure a lasting impact.”
Keywords
INDEED, violent extremism, law enforcement, radicalisation, preventing and countering violent extremism, terrorism, crime
