NCJ Number
238855
Date Published
June 2010
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper summarizes presentations at a March 2010, 2-day conference on "Countering Violent Extremism: Learning From Deradicalization Programs in Some Muslim-Majority States," concluding with policy implications and recommendations for the United Nations member states.
Abstract
As used in the conference, "deradicalization" refers to "the process of divorcing a person, voluntarily or otherwise, from his/her extreme views." "Disengagement," on the other hand, refers to the process of moving a person away from his/her extreme group's activities, without necessarily deradicalizing that person or changing their views." As participants often noted, a sound deradicalization program must learn from the processes by which individuals become radicalized. Elements of the recruitment process used by radical terrorist groups, particularly radical Islamist group, were discussed at the conference; some case studies are included in this report. Features of deradicalization programs are described as practiced in Algeria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Based on the results of deradicalization programs in these countries, the conference concluded that deradicalization programs have the potential to be of significant benefit to governments worldwide. Successful programs can encourage formerly dangerous individuals to renounce terrorism and radical organizations. Recommendations based on the conference discussions are as follows: do not regard deradicalization as a panacea, but rather as one component of a comprehensive antiterrorist strategy; pay attention to the context in which the program is conducted; incorporate improved aftercare into programs; improve vetting of potential beneficiaries; devise and improve means of measuring success; tailor the approach to the individual or group concerned; involve in deradicalization those communities affected by radicalization; and use incentives with care. Appended conference agenda and a list of participants