MARSEILLAISE VERSUS JIHADISM, OR THE FRENCH EXPERIENCE IN COMBATING ISLAMIST RADICALIZATION

Abstract

The article deals with the programs of deradicalization of jihadists (mainly young people) that have been used in France since 2014. The specificity of the French situation is the predominance of minors (20%) and converts to Islam (38%) among radicalized youth, as well as a high percentage of women (30% in general, and 53% among minors). It is shown that deradicalization programs are closely related to national anti-radicalization plans, of which three have been adopted so far. In this regard, the article consists of four parts, each of which reveals the specifics of separate plans and programs for deradicalization. The first part is devoted to the first plan for the fight against terrorism (PLAT) and the program for the deradicalization by Dounia Bouzar. This program was based on the theory of “sectarian influence” on young people and the concept of “myths of adherence” to jihadism. The second part of the article deals with the second nationwide plan to counter radicalization and terrorism (PART) and the first state structure designed for radicalized youth - the Center for Prevention, Integration and Citizenship (CPIC), also known as the “Pontourney Center”. The third part of the article discusses the RIVE deradicalization project, which was carried out simultaneously with the “Pontourney Center” but was based on the other methodological principles and aimed at a different target group. The fourth part of the article focuses on the third national anti-radicalization plan (PNRP/PPP) of 2018 and its associated individual support and social reaffiliation program (PAIRS) aimed at deradicalization. It is concluded that various deradicalization programs did not bring the expected result and were found to be ineffective. Moreover, a number of experts on jihadism have expressed doubts about the ability of supporters of a radical ideology to abandon it. At the same time, one of the main problems of deradicalization programs is the actions of politicians who demand quick results, achievable within one electoral cycle.