Countering Violent Extremism, Radicalization, Ideologies 

Given the continued rise of transnational and domestic terrorism, countering the appeal of extremist
ideologies and organizations is increasingly becoming a top policy priority for governments around the
world. Crucial to challenging extremist ideology and violence is the role of civil society organizations that
are operating in this highly contested ideational and social space. Afer years of unfruitful government-led
strategic communications campaigns, policymakers are now focusing on empowering credible voices at
the grassroots level to expand their communications reach among individuals and communities vulnerable
to the appeal of violent extremism. Yet, while U.S. and European governments shif towards prioritizing
a surrogate strategy for combatting extremist propaganda, there is very little understanding of the eficacy
of counter-ideological civil society initiatives already operating in this space. As concerns about violent extremism
grow, there is a troubling knowledge gap between those operating at the grassroots, community
level and in government and law enforcement agencies. This report aims to fill that gap by highlighting
best practices and identifying areas of vulnerability in CSO and private sector campaigns against extremism.
 

60 p.; 26 cm