Expanding the Paradigm: Countering Violent Extremism in Britain and the Need for a Youth Centric Community Based Approach

Abstract

In recent years, both academics and politicians alike have struggled to develop a coherent strategy on how to hone in the threat posed by Islamic extremists at home and abroad. This issue has taken center stage in recent months with the emergence of the Islamic State (IS). This article will explore the UK's experience with trying to contain Islamic extremism, focusing particularly on the role youth development may play in future endeavors.

Implementing ‘Prevent’ in countering violent extremism in the UK: A left-realist critique

“…The other main concern with 'Prevent' is the mentoring system known as Channel (Qureshi, 2015). It implements a one-to-one methodology that works with vulnerable young people to educate, motivate and inspire them away from paths towards violent extremism (Powers, 2015). The UK government argues that this system has prevented a number of young people from joining the Islamic State as foreign fighters.…”