Mapping The US Counter-Extremism Landscape: A Scoping Review Of Intervention Characteristics And Coverage

• In Event: Crime vs. Health Issues: The Overlap between Public Health and Crime

Abstract

Extremism, in its multifaceted forms, poses a significant threat to US security. This scoping review delves into the current landscape of counter-extremism interventions within the United States. We employ a systematic approach with catchment-recapture methodology, analyzing both academic literature published in the past decade and valuable resources from gray literature, including government reports, NGO publications, and program websites.

The review focuses on identifying and categorizing diverse intervention initiatives targeting both violent and non-violent forms of extremism. We move beyond program type, examining core characteristics such as target audience (e.g., youth, specific communities), theoretical underpinnings (e.g., social identity theory, social bonds theory, contact theory), intervention design, and evaluation methods. A key focus is alignment with the public health model of prevention, which categorizes interventions as primary, universal efforts to prevent initial radicalization; secondary, targeted interventions to identify and intervene with at-risk populations; and tertiary, support services for those already radicalized.

Using thematic analytical techniques we identify key trends, gaps in existing interventions, and the effectiveness of various program designs within this public health framework. This knowledge can inform strategic oversight and the development of more inclusive and targeted counter-extremism strategies across the US.

Author

• Kieren Aris, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center