Journal for Deradicalization
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Book Review: Seyward Darby, Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism
Full text linkThis article reviews Seyward Darby's "Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism"
Systematic Review on the Outcomes of Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs in the Field of Violent Radicalization
Full text linkSince 2001, attacks attributed to extremist movements or “lone actors” have intensified and spread around the world, prompting governments to invest significant sums of money into preventing violent radicalization. Nonetheless, knowledge regarding best practices for prevention remains disparate, and the effectiveness of current practices is not clearly established. Consequently, we conducted a systematic review on the outcomes of primary and secondary prevention programs in the field of violent radicalization. Of the 11,836 documents generated, 33 studies published between 2009 and 2019 were eligible for inclusion as they comprised an empirical (quantitative or qualitative) evaluation of a prevention initiative using primary data. The majority of these studies evaluated programs targeting violent Islamist or “general” radicalization. Negative or iatrogenic effects mostly stemmed from programs aimed at specific ethnic or religious groups or focusing on surveillance and monitoring. Positive effects were noted in programs aimed at improving potential protective factors against violent radicalization. However, the reviewed studies had numerous limitations (i.e., weak experimental designs, small/biased samples, unclear definitions, incomplete methodological sections, and conflicts of interests) that hinder one’s confidence in their conclusions. Also, many studies lacked a logic model, failed to differentiate between intermediate and final outcomes, and often did not assess for negative outcomes. Encouragingly, however, some of the most methodologically sound studies contained results attesting to the effectiveness of improving protective factors against violent radicalization
Gazing inwards: A Discussion of the Potential of Norwegian Social Workers to Counteract the Negative Looping Effect of Radicalisation Labels
Full text linkEuropean countries have adopted a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the prevention of violent extremism (PVE) and radicalisation related to social work, which has led to concerns that social workers are engaged in the surveillance of client groups. Our proposal is that social workers need to be involved in the PVE debate and determine ways to work within the PVE. As categorisation and labels impact the individuals being categorised and may even change them, the adoption of an approach motivated by curiosity based on the ‘typology’ of clients is suggested. Social workers should carry out a sensitive balancing act in cooperation with the police by explaining their roles and tasks to clients and clarifying confidentiality regulations. This has the potential to ensure that visiting clients in need of social workers’ services will remain open to engaging with such services. However, the execution of this approach is dependent upon social workers’ ability to be aware of and reflect upon the security dimensions that PVE entails. Thus, recommendations were formulated for the development of an approach centred on curiosity and client-centred practice. Adherence to these recommendations could help social workers communicate their true intent and remove any confusion, for the benefit of both themselves and their clients, regarding misconceptions of surveillance and policing
Experiencing trust in multiagency collaboration to prevent violent extremism: A Nordic qualitative study
Full text linkIn previous studies, multiagency collaboration was identified as a key strategy for early intervention in violent extremism. However, there has been little focus on professionals’ shared communication to support collaboration. The aim of this study was to describe trust in multiagency collaboration teams in the Nordic countries tasked with preventing violent extremism. The data have been collected through simulated case discussions for groups (N=13) and individual interviews (N=78) with multiagency professionals in Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden and analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Based on our results, trust emerged on 1) structural, 2) professional and 3) perceived personal levels. In addition, we identified facilitators and barriers for building trust at these levels. To fully understand the potential of trust, we argue that there is a need to take into account all these three levels of trust. Finally, we find that particularized trust can function as a foundation for building generalized trust. In future, more knowledge is needed about how to enable and manage trust with multiagency collaboration at organizational, but also national and international, level.
AcknowledgementsThis article is part of a research project titled Handling Extremism - Nordic Approaches (HEX-NA), funded by NordForsk, and financial contributors to the project include the Norwegian Police University College, University of Gothenburg, University of Aarhus, University of Turku and the University of Oslo
Visual representations of martyrdom: Comparing the symbolism of Jihadi and far-right online martyrologies
Full text linkMartyrologies are often associated with Jihadi propaganda. From Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State, Islamist groups have been widely spreading their cult of martyrs through e-magazines, online blogs, and social media to convey extremist messages and radicalise individuals. Nonetheless, such a trend has recently come to characterise the far right as well. Far-right groups have developed online martyrologies, diffusing images parsing far-right terrorists and extremists who conducted deadly attacks as saints and martyrs. This emerging trend in far-right online propaganda has led to a revived interest in comparative research addressing Jihadi and far-right online activity. By applying critical discourse analysis (CDA) to the study of Jihadi and far-right martyrdom propaganda images, this research compares Islamist and far-right martyrologies, explores their commonalities and differences, and provides theoretical insight into the use of martyrologies in online content. Both ideologies convey complex symbolism to effectively spread their messages and aim to radicalise online users. Diverse symbols operate on multiple levels and impact group dynamics. Although similarities between Jihadi and far-right symbolism are numerous, differences must not be overlooked as they show the complexity and diversity of online martyrologies and radicalisation strategies. Indeed, while adopting similar rhetoric, Jihadi and far-right martyrologies draw upon different traditions and cultures which target different audiences and appeal to individuals with different backgrounds
Conversations with other (alt-right) women: How do alt-right female influencers narrate a far-right identity?
Full text linkIn the process of shifting far-right ideas from the fringes to the centre of the political spectrum, the alt-right has infiltrated online spaces to mainstream extremist ideas. As part of this process, female alt-right influencers have emerged within various popular social media platforms and fringe outlets, seeking to build credibility for the movement with new audiences. Contrary to previous assumptions about women as harmless adherents of far-right ideology, alt-right women are emerging as “organic intellectuals”, influential in the formation of everyday beliefs and principles in congruence with the tenets of far-right ideology. Their narratives strategically weave far-right ideological discourses, such as the imminent crisis of white identity, with topical matters on lifestyle and well-being. This article examines the rhetoric of online influencers as they shape an ideological space which is contributing to the normalization or mainstreaming of far-right ideas. In doing so, it addresses two questions: How do alt-right female influencers narrate a far-right identity? How do they mainstream white supremacist ideas online? Drawing on new empirical material from a series of far-right podcasts, this article demonstrates that alt-right women strategically construct a “liberated” female identity rooted in femininity, traditionalism and gender complementarity, and problematize feminism and women’s emancipation as constitutive of the crisis facing the white race. It further identifies the presence of an elaborate cultural narrative around white victimhood which alt-right influencers use to mainstream their ideology. To counter the perpetuation of far-right ideas in society, women’s participation in shaping far-right ideology should not remain unaddressed. This article sheds some light on how a small but highly visible group of influencers are actively working to promote a dangerous far-right ideology
Ensuring Security while Conducting Research and Fieldwork on Countering and Preventing Religious and Far-Right Violent Extremism: The Case of Southeastern Europe
Full text linkField research on preventing and countering (non) violent extremism (P/CVE) is challenging for researchers as it poses many risks to themselves and their participants alike. Risks are present during all three stages of fieldwork, namely: pre-, during- and post. However, there are some risks unique to religious or far-right violent extremism respectively. Oftentimes, these radicalization type-specific risks also differ based on the politicization of the research and based on whether the country has autocratic tendencies or not. Another subset of risks is more readily generalizable. These are linked to gender, collaboration vs. competition among civil society, trauma, and work-life balance. It behooves researchers to be aware of these risks prior to embarking on fieldwork, and to formulate mitigation strategies to account for them. Based on the results and experiences in the field from a research project conducted in Southeastern Europe – “Countering Radicalisation through Lifestories” (Rrustemi, 2020) – this article outlines a model for improving researchers’ security before, during, and after fieldwork. In doing so, it aims to fill a significant gap in the literature. Few previous studies have provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges researchers face while conducting fieldwork, something which this study sets out to correct. By outlining a model for improving researchers’ safety, it also aims to contribute to better the quality and quantity of research on the P/CVE
"By correcting disinformation and encouraging them towards tolerance" - Finnish educators' considerations of PVE-E
Full text linkEducators are globally posited as central actors in implementing national policies to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE). However, in Finland, there are no binding P/CVE programs for education, and thus, most educators implement P/CVE based on their intuitive responses. For developing policies and practices for preventing violent extremism through education (PVE-E) in Finland, this study examines how educators position themselves in response to PVE-E and their considerations of PVE-E measures. This multi-modal study utilizes quantitative (n=1149), and qualitative (n=650) datasets collected from Finnish educators through an online survey, and a qualitative dataset (n=57) gathered during a PVE-E-related professional development training for educators. The quantitative data were analyzed using crosstabulation, and the Chi-square test. The qualitative data were analyzed using theory-driven content analysis. As an analytical and theoretical framework in which to analyze the results and discuss the findings, a model that merged the public health model (e.g. Clemmow et al., 2022) and the social ecology model (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) was created. When analyzing the educators’ considerations of PVE-E measures, the public health model was used to analyze the timing of the preventative measures (primary, secondary, or tertiary level of prevention). The social ecology model was used to analyze the factors addressed through preventative measures (micro, meso, and macro-level). Based on the findings, a substantial majority of Finnish educators considered PVE to be part of their professional duties. Their views on relevant PVE-E measures comprised mostly of primary-level prevention measures that addressed micro and meso-level factors, i.e., broad-based prevention targeting all students and the school community. However, considerations of secondary-level prevention measures (CVE) were scarce, and tertiary-level prevention measures (deradicalization and disengagement) were practically nonexistent. The findings highlight the need to offer P/CVE-related professional development training and strengthen multi-professional cooperation at the national level to advance the whole-of-society approach in Finland
Resilience as a protective factor against violent extremism: a systematic review of systematic reviews
Full text linkViolent extremism (VE) threatens global security. Efforts to counter VE have focused on identifying factors that pull and push toward extremism. However, identifying individual and community qualities that buffer against VE remains insufficient and needs improvement. This review aimed to identify links between resilience and VE. A systematic review of systematic reviews (SR-SR) using the Campbell Collaboration review methodology was conducted. A 5-stage search of 12 databases yielded 17 systematic reviews with more than 2800 records. After evaluation by two reviewers using the AMSTAR appraisal tool, only nine systematic reviews received a high rating and were analyzed. Seven reviews identified clear and direct protective resilience factors against VE. The protective resilience factors were categorized as (1) individual resilience factors, (2) family resilience factors, and (3) community resilience factors. Community resilience as a theme of resilience appeared more frequently within the reviewed literature encompasses community engagement, collective identity, social support networks, and emotional orientation. The study provided insights linking resilience as a buffer to VE. This evidence will enable policymakers and preventing violent extremism efforts to mobilize and strengthen community resilience.
This research was funded by Naif Arab University for Security Science (NAUSS-SRC-21-02
Resilience to Violent Extremism: Validation of the Arabic BRAVE Measure
Full text linkThis study translates the Building Resilience to Violent Extremism (BRAVE) measure to assess individual and community resilience levels to resist, counter, and buffer violent extremism. The Arabic BRAVE measure translated and validated the original Grossman (2020) five factors scale. The Arabic BRAVE measure provided scores across the same five factors contextualized using data from 604 youth Arabs from five countries. Following analyses of its structural validity, reliability, and measurement invariance, the 14-item Arabic BRAVE measure was found to have good internal reliability according to its composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha, which varied between 0.73 and 0.93. The overall structure and measurement of the models were assessed through confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group invariance testing. Evidence for the configural and partial metric (but not scalar or residuals) invariance of the factor structure was observed when comparing the male and female subsamples. The Arabic BRAVE measure is a much-needed tool that can help identify young people’s protective capacities against and vulnerabilities to violent extremism, incorporating various capital factors to assist in designing a culturally sensitive public health approach to countering the threat of extremism.
AcknowledgementsThis research was funded by Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (Grant No. NAUSS-SRC-21-02)