Effectiveness of Programs against Radicalization and Violent Extremism: An International Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Evidence-Based Crime Policy IV

Abstract

The global threat of extremism and related violence has led to numerous programs on the prevention of extremism and radicalization. Most publications on this topic focus on program descriptions, whereas outcome evaluations are rare. Against this background, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis on program evaluations related to extremist attitudes and behavior. We searched more than 10,000 potentially relevant documents. Although we applied not very rigorous eligibility criteria, only seven evaluations of six programs could be included. Five programs aimed to prevent religious radicalization, while one targeted nationalist/separatist extremism. On average, the programs significantly decreased radical attitudes (d = 0.68, SE = 0.14, p < .001). In spite of the small number of studies, there were some moderator effects. For example, programs showed stronger effects when preventive approaches included at-risk individuals, as well as people from the general population and individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. Our study provides some promising insights into the effects of prevention programs against radicalization and violent extremism. However, more well-controlled studies and systematic quantitative data are needed. This implies that budget allocations should not only focus on program development and implementation, but also on systematic evaluation of the respective effects.

Authors

• Irina Jugl, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

• Friedrich Loesel, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg / University of Cambridge

• Doris Bender, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

• Sonja King, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg