The other side of the coin: contributions for preventing and countering Islamist terrorism

• In Event: Analyzing the Effectiveness of Counterterrorism Strategies

Abstract

Why is there not violent radicalisation in Portugal from Islamist terrorism? Only six Portuguese foreign fighters have joined Islamic State, but these men were radicalised not in Portugal, but in England. Indeed, Portugal seems to have particular conditions that contribute to explain the absence of violent radicalisation.

To understand some of these conditions, the author will present an in-depth study, with data collected with qualitative and quantitative methods, developed both in Portugal and in England. Some of the answers to the research question are related to a contrast between these two countries when it comes to integrate vulnerable communities, particularly Muslims, and the absence or not of blatant discrimination towards minorities. This study also explores some of the active and intentional measures that the Portuguese Muslim community implements to promote prevention of radicalisation among its members in Portugal.

Besides partly providing answers to understand the absence of violent radicalisation, this study also offers some contributions for practice and policy-making to develop programmes on prevention and countering of violent extremism.

Authors

• Cátia Moreira de Carvalho, University of Porto

• Isabel Pinto, University of Porto

• Marta Pinto, University of Porto

• Peter Neyroud, University of Cambridge