Chapter 2 | De-radicalization

This research work conducted by Shashi Jayakumar, Bartolomeo Conti, Rahma Dualeh, Phil Gurski, Anne-Sophie Hemmingsen, Fredrick Ogenga, Ekaterina Sokirianskaia is based on examples of de-radicalization models implemented in different parts of the world: Europe, Southeast Asia, Russia, North America, Horn of Africa and Caucasus

These examples provide an in-depth overview of strategies adopted by different states, and present the key players in this process according to the context, taking into account the impossibility of establishing a standard model of deradicalization.

The Singapore case study reveals, for example, how religious monitoring is at the heart of the de-radicalization policy, while the Russian case demonstrates the central role played by the army and law enforcement agencies in parallel with amnesty programs conducted in Chechnya.

The avenues of work and methods of de-radicalization highlighted in this comparative study appear promising and thus make it possible to nourish the reflection of Western societies on this issue.

The European and North American cases are also studied. At a time when Europe is confronted with a rise in radicalization among young people, the study demonstrates the extent to which European states, which are betting on the individual’s exit from the radical movement to which he or she belongs, are struggling to agree on the methods to be used to achieve this.

This work which promotes the sharing of practices at the global level, also emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the process of “de-radicalization” which, according to the authors, should not be confused with that of “disengagement” and underlines all its complexity and ethical limits.