Unpacking Radicalization

What do we mean by 'radicalization' processes and how do they influence peace and conflict in todays’ world? Critically discuss the concept and explore its implications for peacebuilding practice.

Today, the proximity of discourses on radicalization to terrorism and security-related policies poses various challenges for peacebuilding practice. In practice, radicalization is often equated with Islamist violent extremism, and met with security-centered counter-terrorism approaches and measures such as Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) or Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). This limits our understanding of radicalization processes, which may also be a form of societal and political protest that remains within the boundaries of democratic negotiation. Along these lines of reasoning, economic deprivation and political marginalization lead to strong emotions of resentment and frustration that may lead to radicalization with or without violence. This course looks into the concept of radicalization as well as other notions such as de-radicalization, extremist violence, PVE and CVE in relation to peacebuilding practice and discusses them through different case studies from the Global North and South.

Due to COVID-19, the Unpacking Radicalization course (initially scheduled for 23 - 24 April 2020) was postponed. It will take place from 12 to 13 November 2020 instead.