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Thinking About Deradicalization

Thinking About Deradicalization. Conceptual Challenges and Lessons Learned Peter Mandaville, George Mason University. Definitional & Conceptual Problems. Is “radicalization/deradicalization” the most accurate description of the problem? Suggests a false binary state.

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Thinking About Deradicalization

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  1. Thinking About Deradicalization Conceptual Challenges and Lessons Learned Peter Mandaville, George Mason University

  2. Definitional & Conceptual Problems • Is “radicalization/deradicalization” the most accurate description of the problem? Suggests a false binary state. • Radicals & moderates as another false dichotomy

  3. Approaches to Deradicalization • “Hearts & Minds” – focus on counter-narratives, war of ideas, etc. • Socioeconomic/community development approaches – i.e. fill their stomachs and the hearts and minds will follow! • Bolstering existing mainstream/moderate institutions

  4. Case Studies of Deradicalization • Saudi Arabia (counseling & persuasion by senior establishment clerics) • Egypt (senior jihadi intellectuals “recant” after government prompting) • Indonesia • Jemiah Islamiyaah (prison-based program of persuasion by conservative scholars) • Laskar Jihad (deradicalization as a result of changed political/security environment)

  5. Cases, contd. • United Kingdom • PREVENT & CONTEST • Radical Middle Way • Quilliam Foundation • National scale agenda… • vs. targeted, community-level intervention • Potential unintended consequences of working with group who have a communitarian (albeit non-radical) agenda

  6. Summary • Importance of combining ideas-based approaches with attention to socio-economic circumstances & political problems • Large scale, esp. national scope initiatives may affect large numbers but have smaller and potentially unsustainable impact; emphasis on targeted, local approaches

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