Thinking About Deradicalization

Conceptual Challengesand Lessons Learned

Peter Mandaville, George Mason University

Definitional & Conceptual Problems

• Is “radicalization/deradicalization” the most accurate description of the problem? Suggests a false binary state.

• Radicals & moderates as another false dichotomy

Approaches to Deradicalization

• “Hearts & Minds” – focus on counter-narratives, war of ideas, etc.

• Socioeconomic/community development approaches – i.e. fill their stomachs and the hearts and minds will follow!

• Bolstering existing mainstream/moderate institutions

Case Studies of Deradicalization

• Saudi Arabia (counseling & persuasion by senior establishment clerics)

• Egypt (senior jihadi intellectuals “recant” after government prompting)

• Indonesia• Jemiah Islamiyaah (prison-based program of persuasion

by conservative scholars)• Laskar Jihad (deradicalization as a result of changed

political/security environment)

Cases, contd.

• United Kingdom• PREVENT & CONTEST• Radical Middle Way• Quilliam Foundation

– National scale agenda…– vs. targeted, community-level intervention– Potential unintended consequences of working

with group who have a communitarian (albeit non-radical) agenda

Summary

• Importance of combining ideas-based approaches with attention to socio-economic circumstances & political problems

• Large scale, esp. national scope initiatives may affect large numbers but have smaller and potentially unsustainable impact; emphasis on targeted, local approaches