The study of violent extremism has seen a great deal of academic and practitioner focus on the processes of radicalization, and strategies to counter and de-radicalize extremists. Comparatively, little has been written on the subject of Diversion - early, upstream interventions aimed at deflecting individuals from a pathway of radicalization.
This volume addresses this gap in scholarship by analyzing the strategies being deployed worldwide, aimed at diverting or deflecting individuals, and communities, from the path of radicalization. Disengagement - which is often necessary when one has already progressed past the 'at-risk' stage - is also addressed, given that social workers, counselors and other practitioners do not necessarily find the distinction between the two a critical issue in practice. What matters is which upstream approaches work, and what shows promise, amongst individuals and communities. Case studies range across the Global North and South, presented by both academics and practitioners. Contributions address approaches that have proven useful, strategies which should be given deeper scrutiny before being employed - and what should be avoided.
The study of violent extremism in the wake of ISIS has largely been devoted to the process of radicalization and strategies to counter and de-radicalize extremists. However, little has been written on the subject of Diversion - early, upstream interventions aimed at deflecting individuals from a pathway of radicalization.
This volume addresses this gap in scholarship by analysing the Diversion strategies being deployed worldwide, aimed at diverting or deflecting individuals, and communities, from the path of radicalization. These include Diversion methods used among social workers, teachers, counselors and the police both in relation to individuals and communities. Case studies range across the Global North and South, presented by both academic and practitioner contributors, and address different branches of radicalization, the variety of strategies used as Diversion, and the results of these interventions.
Our understanding of how best to prevent youth radicalisation into violent extremism and terrorism is too far from where it needs to be. Shashi Jayakumar has pulled together much needed insight and knowledge from an impressive collection of researchers and practitioners in this important and badly needed book. The volume brings a fresh international perspective to what actually works in early and upstream interventions, when and where positive change is possible, and what are the considerable challenges facing this entire sector.
