Lexington Books Community-Focused Counter-Radicalization and Counter-Terrorism Projects: Experience and Lessons Learned

Product Description Following the launch of the global war on terror, western nations commissioned multiple community focused projects aimed at preventing terrorism and countering violent extremism. With an understanding that a comprehensive approach entails both proactive counter-radicalization measures and rehabilitation initiatives, these community-based projects typically aim to build resilience and enhance prevention capacity within specific communities. This book focuses on the perceptions and experiences of twenty-nine community-based counter-radicalization project leaders in eight western countries: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Scotland, and France. By closely examining these efforts across multiple national contexts and in diverse communities, this book examines the challenges and opportunities of community-focused projects as identified by such projects' leaders. At the book's heart are interviews about community engagement and experience from the people most closely attuned to this vital work. By highlighting the importance of listening to community members, the book offers a rare chance to directly hear community members' ideas, frustrations, and hopes. Review In providing a thorough, critical analysis of twenty nine community focused projects, the authors make a valuable and significant contribution to our understanding of approaches to counter radicalization and terrorism. This analysis is particularly useful as a springboard for scholars, students undertaking future research in this area, and for policy-makers considering future initiatives.--James Fergusson, University of Manitoba About the Author Kawser Ahmed is research fellow at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba. Patrick Belanger is associate professor of humanities and communication at California State University, Monterey Bay. Susan Szmania is research associate at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of Maryland.