Reducing the Emergence of Terrorism and Violent Radicalisation

Abstract

A social and political prevention strategy is based on reducing the driving forces behind and motivation for adopting the use of terroristic violence, by trying to eliminate or reduce the root causes and sources of frustration and anger, and stopping radicalisation processes at as early a stage as possible. Measures may address processes and conditions at the (macro) level of society, state, international relations or trans-national developments, at the (meso) level of social movements, institutions, organisations, and groups, or at the (micro) level of individuals and face-to-face interaction. Many kinds of political and social actors have relevant measures at their disposal. The social and political crime prevention strategy goes to the root of the problem and may bring positive effects in more problem areas than just terrorism. However, some root causes are difficult to change and positive impact may take a long time to achieve.