CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES FOR PREVENTION AND COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM

Abstract

States use a variety of approaches, mechanisms, models and programs to prevent and combat violent extremism and radicalism. Some of them are newly developed, and others already existing. They aim to enable practitioners, professionals and members of the local community to apply their various skills, knowledge and capacities for early prevention of violent extremism and radicalization, ie to identify vulnerable persons and persons at risk and provide them with the necessary support to be redirected in a non-violent way before committing a crime. Different types of approaches, mechanisms, models and programs are influenced, among others, by the nature of the threat, the socio-political situation in the country, the security situation, as well as by the prevailing norms and circumstances, management structures, resources, capacities, risk assessments and traditions.

The aim of the paper is to summarize and analyze the modern peacebuilding approaches used to prevent and combat violent extremism and to draw conclusions about their effectiveness. In doing so, the challenges and weaknesses of such programs will be identified, in order to overcome and improve them in the future and to show better results in achieving their goals. The paper specifically analyzes and discusses the EU approach to capacity building in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism aimed at promoting the capacity of state institutions to provide criminal justice and law enforcement, while respecting human rights and the rule of law. Supporting key preventive measures against violent extremism and countering terrorist financing are also top priorities for preventing terrorist activities and their consequences.

Creating such approaches/models for preventing and combating violent extremism should be followed by a broad consultation process with key national and local stakeholders, governments and the civil society sector, as well as law enforcement professionals and others who can provide support depending on the needs of the process. Such a process should not be rushed; creating the necessary multidisciplinary support for effective access takes time and patience, including from politicians, policymakers, practitioners, and members of the public, who may seek prompt action in the context of modern-day terrorist and violent extremist threats.