deradicalization
AFRICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
TOPIC: CONCEPT OF DISENGAGEMENT, DERADICALIZATION AND COUNTER RADICALIZATION
PASCHAL NNAJI – 14M03EMGP028
MARTIN MBURU- 14MO3EMGP022
WINNIE MURUGI- 14MO3EMGP025
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES
PEACE BUILDING, RADICALIZATION AND DERADICALIZATION
GPS 610
LECTURER: DR. EMILY OKUTU
DATE DUE. 2014-07-0
As a result of the overwhelming preoccupation with uncovering the process of radicalization into terrorist activity, little attention has been paid to the related, yet distinct processes of disengagement and deradicalization from terrorism.While a variety of deradicalization initiatives worldwide are currently receiving enormous interest from afar, it is inevitable they will be subjected to intense scrutiny regarding their alleged outcomes and claimed successes. A more immediate challenge, however, is to assert some conceptual and terminological clarity. While deradicalization has become the latest buzzword in counterterrorism, it is critical that we distinguish it from disengagement and stress that not only are they different, but that just because one leaves terrorism behind; it rarely implies that one become 'deradicalized '. One of several implications arising from this distinction may be a more realistic appraisal of how our knowledge and understanding of the disengagement processes (and not undefined and poorly conceptualised deradicalization efforts) may be put to effective use in the short-medium term development of research agendas.
DERADICALIZATION
De-radicalization is the process of working to combat extremism in groups or individuals that have already committed violence. It refers to changing a radical or fundamentalist mind-set to programs directed against individuals who have become radical with the aim of re-integrating them into society. It implies a cognitive shift, i.e. a fundamental change in understanding, a change in people’s attitudes and
TOPIC: CONCEPT OF DISENGAGEMENT, DERADICALIZATION AND COUNTER RADICALIZATION
PASCHAL NNAJI – 14M03EMGP028
MARTIN MBURU- 14MO3EMGP022
WINNIE MURUGI- 14MO3EMGP025
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES
PEACE BUILDING, RADICALIZATION AND DERADICALIZATION
GPS 610
LECTURER: DR. EMILY OKUTU
DATE DUE. 2014-07-0
As a result of the overwhelming preoccupation with uncovering the process of radicalization into terrorist activity, little attention has been paid to the related, yet distinct processes of disengagement and deradicalization from terrorism.While a variety of deradicalization initiatives worldwide are currently receiving enormous interest from afar, it is inevitable they will be subjected to intense scrutiny regarding their alleged outcomes and claimed successes. A more immediate challenge, however, is to assert some conceptual and terminological clarity. While deradicalization has become the latest buzzword in counterterrorism, it is critical that we distinguish it from disengagement and stress that not only are they different, but that just because one leaves terrorism behind; it rarely implies that one become 'deradicalized '. One of several implications arising from this distinction may be a more realistic appraisal of how our knowledge and understanding of the disengagement processes (and not undefined and poorly conceptualised deradicalization efforts) may be put to effective use in the short-medium term development of research agendas.
DERADICALIZATION
De-radicalization is the process of working to combat extremism in groups or individuals that have already committed violence. It refers to changing a radical or fundamentalist mind-set to programs directed against individuals who have become radical with the aim of re-integrating them into society. It implies a cognitive shift, i.e. a fundamental change in understanding, a change in people’s attitudes and
References: [1] Most of the information used for this article comes from interviews conducted by the author in May and June 2008 with Dutch government officials and experts. Among the latter, the author wishes to thank Edwin Bakker, FroukjeDemant, Fiore Geelhoed, Amy-Jane Gielen and Colin Mellis. [2] Lorenzo Vidino, “The Hofstad Group: The New Face of Terrorist Networks in Europe,” Studies in Conflict and Terrorism 30:7 (2007): pp. 579-590. [3] “The Radical Dawa in Transition,” General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), 2007. [4] “Counterterrorism at Local Level: A Guide,” Netherlands National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism, October 2007. [5] “Policies of Integration and Prevention of Radicalisation in the Netherlands: A Progress Report,” Netherlands Ministry of Immigration and Integration, July 2006. [6] Kirsten E. Schulze, “Indonesia’s Approach to Jihadist Deradicalization,” CTC Sentinel 1:8 (2008). [7] Peter Mandaville, “Engaging Islamists in the West,” CTC Sentinel 1:7 (2008). [8] “2002 Annual Report,” General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD),