Violent Extremism

The phenomenon of violent extremism (VE) remains present and potentially threatening in Albania despite the progress observed in implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan against Violent Extremism (November 2015). The concerted actions carried out by state, religious, civil society and other players in the country have raised awareness on the risks and forms of VE and have reinforced alertness of religious communities and authorities. Albania has additionally  strengthened the legal framework with restrictive mechanisms, and developed better capacities of central authorities and non-state stakeholders to respond to religious extremism. Nevertheless, the presence of religious extremist ideologies and individuals is confirmed by the present study. Specifically, one in ten Albanians confirm that in their area there are individuals who incite religious extremism, who support religious VE, or who pressurise religious believers into joining extremist causes. Moreover, the threat does not stem simply from the presence of such individuals but even more so from the possible consequences of their actions if Countering / Prevention of violent extremism (C/PVE) stakeholders in Albania fail to target the concerns of at-risk groups and address drivers of VE through a tailored approach.

Socio-economic, political and cultural drivers of VE remain largely pressing and conducive to extremist ideologies.  The country’s state of democracy and its current level of socio-economic development raise concerns that they, in combination with other factors, may threaten specific groups in society through the power of manipulation of extremist ideologies.

Many have pointed out families to play a crucial role, both as a risk and protective factor, in radicalization leading to violence phenomena. Over the past few years, researchers and practitioners have recognized the importance of ensuring that families are addressed as a prevention target, as well as recognizing the valuable resource that they represent in preventive efforts. Accordingly, the field of P/CVE has witnessed the burgeoning of a variety of prevention and intervention initiatives specifically addressed to families, either aiming to strengthen family resilience in the face of various fragilities or to support parents in the face of problematic situations related to radicalization and (violent) extremism. While the number of family-oriented P/CVE programs has increased over the last decade, the available literature on this topic remains scarce, with very few publications providing knowledge about the nature, objectives and different operating procedures of existing initiatives. In this article, we introduce a typology of family-oriented P/CVE programs, relying on an extensive review of existing initiatives at an international level. We aim to contribute to the current literature by providing a better understanding of the variety of prevention mechanisms for radicalization leading to violence dedicated to families, as well as to discuss the challenges and pitfalls of those initiatives designed for (and sometimes by) families. In doing so, this article provides highlights and lessons that may be useful for the design of future initiatives.

It has become crystal clear that hard security measure alone will not suffice to confront radicalism and violent extremism. The truth is that we cannot counter and defeat what we don’t understand. This fact highlights the need for a thorough understanding of the issues revolving around radicalism and violent extremism. Such understanding is crucial if the efforts to defeat radicalism and violent extremism are to succeed.

To achieve a better understanding of the issues surrounding radicalism and violent extremism in OIC countries, this report starts with identifying the main concepts trends and narrative often encountered in this domain before moving on to analysing the root causes of radicalism in OIC countries. This is followed with a discussion on the economic and social impacts of radicalism and violent extremism. The report then moves on to discuss the models and approaches utilized in the deradicalisation sphere before concluding with a discussion on the main challenges facing OIC countries in dealing with radicalism and violent extremism and the way forward.

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic marks a unique event in human history—one that has captured the attention of the world, including supporters of violent extremist groups. This article examines unofficial pro- Islamic State media responses to the global pandemic during its early months and provides a content analysis of various themes and narratives. The authors collected and archived data from the online platforms Telegram, Twitter, and Rocket.Chat. In turn, 11 dominant themes and narratives were identified, highlighting the ways in which decentralized online pro-Islamic State networks create content designed to appeal to a diverse audience, capitalize on a current event, as well as provide a space for community engagement and camaraderie in a time of social isolation. (Page 26)

Published by:
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Title:
“Mapping the state of play of institutional and community involvement in countering violent extremism in Kosovo”
Authors:
Florian Qehaja, Skënder Perteshi and Mentor Vrajolli
Date:
13 February 2017
This report identifies the key drivers of extremism in Kosovo following a holistic assessment. While there is the political will to counter violent extremism - at least compared to a lack of willingness to fight corruption and organized crime – the results to date are limited. The main results are identified from the work of law enforcement bodies, which appear to be by far the most proactive institutions working in countering and preventing violent extremism. The policy framework in this field did not entirely reflect community needs. For example, the involvement of community representatives including the Islamic Community is limited. This report aims to provide concrete suggestions for reducing the potential for violent extremism. The key findings are summarized below:
• Kosovo has adopted a sound policy framework in the field. Its implementation has been challenged as a result of limited capacities and the absence of community involvement;
• Kosovo has adopted a law banning its citizens from joining foreign conflicts. This law has produced some positive outcomes in the short term;
• The first local referral mechanism has been introduced in the municipality of Gjilan. This referral mechanism is made up by Ministry of Interior Affairs in Kosovo and is composed  local governance structures, civil society and Islamic community representatives aiming to contribute to preventing violent extremism in this municipality;
• The Kosovo Government has started to design two reintegration and de-radicalization programmes aiming to integrate former foreign fighters and their family members into society. These two programmes are expected to start implementation in the first half of 2017;
• There is an overall attempt from the donor community to be involved in the process of prevention and de-radicalization. Results
can only be achieved when local ownership is fully ensured and the international community stays in the “back seat”;
• Overall, there is a limited understanding of violent extremism among institutions, particularly at a local level. The Kosovo Police and Ministry of Internal Affairs are the best-informed institutions. There is also ongoing community confusion in handling religion-based extremism as a new type of violent extremism;
• There is poor inter-institutional cooperation in the field of countering violent extremism;
• Civil society is barely involved. The role of the Islamic Community continues to be undermined. Increased involvement of the Islamic Community and communities in general is essential to national endeavors;
• Lack of opportunities and jobs for the youth in the three selected municipalities (and other municipalities) have created the unintended consequence of youth being recruited into extremist ideologies and participation in foreign conflicts in Syria and Iraq;
• The poor educational system and lack of extra-curricular activities also creates space for recruiters to pursue their agendas. The absence of critical thinking within the public school system creates space for individuals and groups with violent ideologies to manipulate the youth. Often, their ”methodology” appears much more attractive than some conventional teachers;
• The isolation of Kosovars and ongoing visa regime by the European Union presents an overall obstacle for the youth. This allows youth to travel with no visa requirements to the Middle East and Turkey, often ending up in Islamic schools with the most conservative thinking.
This report is supported by Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and is Commissioned by The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.

This working paper aims at highlighting the role of culture and the arts in preventing, countering and reducing the consequences of violent extremism. MORE EUROPE – external cultural relations has invited Dr. Asiem El Difraoui, a political scientist, specialised inter alia in jihadism, prevention and de-radicalisation strategies, to explore how cultural activities, artistic projects, the promotion of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue(s) can help prevent and reduce violent extremism. The paper concludes with some recommendations for further exploration of the issue by policy-makers, cultural institutions and stakeholders.

Globally, more than 85% of youth use social media daily in the medium of Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, etc., which is more than 70% for Bangladesh. The young population of Bangladesh is rapidly embracing social media through the internet and afflicted with the malaise of countering violent extremism (CVE), often through Facebook. Given the increasing connectedness that the internet and social media offer, it is crucial that the fight against CVE shift to the digital space. Extremists are increasingly adopting novel ways and means based on technology to draw unsuspecting youth to their cause. It is essential to establish effective implementable strategies to stop the CVE activities using social media in Bangladesh. This study aims to identify existing initiatives globally in the space of disruptive online technologies that have yielded some success in preventing CVE. Various publications such as journal and news articles, TV news, and blogs have been used as data sources for this study. Also, fifteen expert interviews have been conducted to identify the most effective strategies for CVE in Bangladesh. Through the content analysis, the study highlights successful efforts and explores technology-based initiatives that can be deployed in Bangladesh to minimize the impact of VE activities through online technology. Finally, recommendations for strategies to restrict VE activities through technologies have been suggested that can be potentially implemented by the Bangladesh government by coordinating with international donor agencies and CVE practitioners. The research output recommends that Bangladesh and other less developed countries can concurrently deal with CVE by successfully using cutting-edge online/digital technologies.

Executive Summary
Departing from an intention of refinement of the concept of radicalization by placing women in this process, this research project aimed at exploring the possibility of building a gender sensitive approach for countering and preventing violent extremism (C/PVE), as an alternative and complement to “malestream” efforts that have dominated the field and practice. Aware of the importance and complementary role of a civilian, gender-sensitive and long-term perspective that will target the rehabilitation of society and women, and given the gaps in the literature on the issue area, the major aim of the research was to probe the role of civil society, mainly women’s and humanitarian NGOs in building and implementing effective CVE and PVE strategies. Following an extensive desk review of the related literatures and having identified important civil society and community actors in the issue area, 80 in-depth interviews were conducted in eight different provinces across Turkey, namely, Ankara, Istanbul, Gaziantep, Kilis, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Adana and Antakya. The actors identified as points of interest included academics, both faith-based and secular humanitarian aid NGOs, religious networks, lawyers and bar associations, community leaders, directly affected women, local political party affiliates (both opposition and government party), and religious leaders. The interviews indicate that NGOs and individuals have not only different definitions of radicalization but they also have different evaluations of it. Despite an interest and understanding regarding the importance of the issue, most civil society organizations lacked a clear strategy to deal with cases of radicalization. As outlined and discussed in the major findings of our report, women from Turkey, reflecting the global phenomenon, assumed varying roles as sympathizers, perpetrators, possible preventers, rehabilitators and victims in their relationship to radicalization. Any strategy has to take the complexity of these roles and motivations into account in order to formulate the much-needed gender-sensitive, inclusive approach to CVE and PVE. Throughout our interviews, we have also explored the main push and pull factors and enablers outlined in the literature in an attempt to inform effective CVE and PVE strategies. The findings underlined the importance of Economic/ Structural Factors, namely the material conditions of the individual or the community not as a sole motivator but mostly in play in conjunction with other Ideological (heavily for women sympathizers) and Psychological Factors. These findings have important implications for women playing different roles throughout the process be it sympathizers or preventers. Regarding the role of civil society in CVE and PVE, NGOs have the potential to be of great use not only in terms of coming up with a counternarrative strategy and disseminating it as a part of broader national CVE strategy, but also in terms of supporting prevention efforts with the activities and educational as well as psychological counselling services they provided and with case collection in the field. This is especially the case for NGO’s concentrating on refugees, a population particularly vulnerable due to the exposure of a multitude of push and pull factors. Considering their expertise and skilled human resource, through collaboration with women’s and faith based NGOs, they carry the potential to be important actors in CVE and PVE efforts. In terms of building a counter narrative, considering the strong role of ideology as a motivator as supported by our interviews, faith based NGOs converged on the necessity of offering such a narrative from Islam itself with reference to Qur’anic verses and hadith that would challenge and refute the ISIS propaganda along with examples of peaceful conduct, tolerance, respect to other religious beliefs and practices, plurality, rejection of racial superiority, importance of the protection of innocent, elder and women in conflictual situations and love from the life of Prophet Mohammad and his companions, or sahabah. Here, an all-inclusive approach regarding different social classes and sectarian groups of society assumes great importance. This is of utmost significance for filling the information gap regarding religiously motivated radicalization and organizations that resort to violent extremism in the name of Islam.

Counter-narratives are routinely suggested as responses to the vast amounts of propaganda available online, from groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda; and the idea of using them to prevent terrorism is gaining momentum. International organisations such as the EU and UN are including them in their CVE strategies, leading to a push for member states to do the same, in spite of a great deal of criticism and lack of any actual evidence that counter-narratives are an effective method.

Taking its point of departure in three counter-narrative initiatives introduced in the third Danish national action plan on countering and preventing extremism and radicalisation, this report explores the challenges related to using counter-narratives within the Danish preventive framework in particular and in CVE strategies in general. The report finds that broad counter-narrative campaigns are neither necessary nor appropriate, and that the potential negative side-effects are not acceptable when measured against the expected benefits. The report ends by suggesting alternative approaches.

Περίληψη

Το φαινόμενο της ριζοσπαστικοποίησης αποτελεί σήμερα κεντρικό ζήτημα στην παγκόσμια πολιτική ατζέντα, με το ενδιαφέρον να εστιάζεται στην περίπτωση της θρησκευτικής ριζοσπαστικοποίησης και της Ισλαμιστικής τρομοκρατίας. Η ακαδημαϊκή κοινότητα έχει επικεντρώσει τις προσπάθειές της στον προσδιορισμό των παραγόντων και των μηχανισμών της ριζοσπαστικοποίησης, ιδίως εκείνων που οδηγούν στον βίαιο εξτρεμισμό και την τρομοκρατία. Η άσκηση αυτή αποδεικνύεται εξαιρετικά δύσκολη εξαιτίας του πολυπαραγοντικού χαρακτήρα της ριζοσπαστικοποίησης και του ιδιαίτερα ποικιλόμορφου προφίλ των ατόμων που εμπλέκονται σ’ αυτήν. Στην παρούσα εργασία, αναδεικνύεται η σημασία των διαφορετικών (εν δυνάμει «υποστηρικτικών») περιβαλλόντων της ριζοσπαστικοποίησης ενώ, επιπλέον, παρουσιάζονται ορισμένες από τις κυριότερες θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις του φαινομένου προκειμένου να διαφανεί η ποικιλία και η αλληλόδραση των παραγόντων που το προσδιορίζουν. Στην συνέχεια, εξετάζεται διεξοδικά η συμβολή του διαδικτύου, ως «υποστηρικτικό περιβάλλον», στη διαδικασία της ριζοσπαστικοποίησης και της στρατολόγησης, απ’ όπου προκύπτει το συμπέρασμα ότι ο ρόλος του είναι τελικά περισσότερο «διευκολυντικός» παρά καθοριστικός.

Λέξεις κλειδιά: Ριζοσπαστικοποίηση, βίαιος εξτρεμισμός, τρομοκρατία, διαδίκτυο, μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης.

Abstract

Τhe phenomenon of radicalization is now a central issue on the global political agenda, with the emphasis placed mainly on the case of religious radicalization and Islamist terrorism. The academic community has focused its efforts on identifying the factors and mechanisms of radicalization, especially those leading to violent extremism and terrorism. Indeed, this exercise has proved very difficult due to the multifactorial nature of radicalization and the great variety of profiles of people involved in it. This essay highlights the importance of different (potential ‘supportive’) environments of radicalization whilst also presenting some of the main theoretical approaches of the phenomenon in order to indicate the variety and interaction of radicalization factors. Then, it thoroughly examines the contribution of the internet, as a ‘supportive environment’, in the process of radicalization and recruitment; our conclusion is that the internet has a more ‘facilitating’ rather than a decisive role.

Key words: Radicalization, violent extremism, terrorism, internet, social media.

In this exploratory study, individuals' processes of engagement in violent extremist groups are analysed by drawing from criminological life-course theory and narrative-based understandings of crime. Based on interviews with individuals who have participated in violent extremism, it is suggested that the process of engagement consists of three steps: (1) a weakening of informal social controls, followed by (2) an interaction with individuals in proximity to the group and (3) a stage of meaning-making in relation to the group and one's identity, resulting in an individual's willingness and capacity to engaging in the group's activities, including violence. In future theorizing about processes of engagement in violent extremism, the meanings of age, and the life-course stages of late adolescence and emerging adulthood in particular, should be given analytic attention.