Broadening the Perspective of Radicalisation Prevention: Concepts, Programs, and Outcomes

• In Event: Multi-Agency Approaches in Countering Right-wing Extremism: Experiences, Outcomes and Challenges

Abstract

In view of the rising prevalence of political offences in many countries, there is a high need for scientific research in the field of radicalisation prevention, also because de-radicalisation programs dominate educational and psychosocial practice. This presentation will first present existing concepts of radicalisation prevention such as multi-agency models, civic or citizenship education, counter narratives or media training. Subsequently, different prevention approaches will be discussed with regard to their outcomes and the state of their scientific foundation. Overall, a number of promising approaches exist with a sound theoretical framework and at least some indications of evidence. However, it is currently very difficult to assess the potential of these approaches to prevent radicalisation trajectories due to the lack of high-quality, long-term evaluations to date. Thus, there is an urgent need for further conceptual and evaluative research to cover the challenges of radicalisation and political offences.

Author

• Andreas Beelmann, Friedrich Schiller University Jena