Navigating Pathways Toward Deradicalization and Rehabilitation: Lessons from Denmark and Saudi Arabia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62327/h23gq9iuegKeywords:
Denmark, Saudi Arabia, extremism, deradicalization, securityAbstract
Historically, efforts to address violent extremism have focused on using mil- itary and other security resources to deter and coerce violent extremists. In- creasingly, such efforts are viewed as insufficient, leading to the expansion of counter-radicalization and deradicalization programs. This, in turn, is generating new debates about how to best use limited resources for pro- grams and the importance of targeting ideology as opposed to behavior. This paper aims to evaluate the barriers countries face throughout the de- radicalization process and provides recommendations for developing and improving deradicalization programs. It does so by fostering a greater un- derstanding of processes related to violent extremism, drawing on two in- ternational case studies: Denmark and Saudi Arabia. De-emphasizing ef- forts to radically change individuals’ ideology and developing holistic sup- port to reintegrate them with local communities were notably successful approaches, albeit resource intense. However, greater cooperation between states to bridge economic and structural barriers to deradicalization initia- tives, particularly through greater transparency of existing programs, is still needed.
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