Newswise — Today, the George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) held a forum featuring Dr. Matthew Levitt, HSPI Senior Fellow and Director, Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), to discuss the findings of WINEP's Presidential Transition Task Force Report, Rewriting the Narrative: An Integrated Strategy for Counterradicalization.
Dr. Levitt opened the event by explaining the importance of combating extremism before it becomes violent extremism. "If the person is already at that point [to carry out acts of violence]," he said, then we have "lost the opportunity to counter radicalization." The critical element is to focus on combating radical ideology—policies to do so, however, must be carefully conceived and implemented. HSPI Director Frank J. Cilluffo (moderator), who also served on the WINEP Task Force, highlighted the unique phase in which U.S. counterterrorism efforts exist, noting that "how we go forward on these issues—beyond the kinetic and outside of the counterterrorism lens—will impact our ability to prevent terrorism."
Levitt offered a comprehensive overview of the status of Islamic extremist ideology, noting the nexus between local and global terrorist groups, and the violent narrative they may share. Many factors may contribute to radicalization; different people have different thresholds. Levitt went on to review the response of Western Europe to its challenges. While America faces its own particular set of issues related to radicalization, elements of European governmental engagement and dialogue with local Muslim communities could be applied here. Most importantly, however, engagement must go beyond law enforcement. Levitt concluded his presentation with the strategic recommendations of the Task Force Report, that he contended should be applied at the domestic and international levels; these included: (1) expanding our focus on combating radicalization from violent to non-violent extremism; (2) empowering mainstream Muslim voices; and (3) addressing local grievances, not only global ones.
During the discussion following the presentation, the breadth of the term "extremism" was debated, as was the government's ability to combat extremism before it reaches the point of violence. The role of government in empowering mainstream Muslim voices—itself undefined—was also questioned by audience members. In response, Levitt emphasized the challenges that targeting radical ideology brings, noting that the key is to engage. "Bottom line," said Levitt, "we need to deepen our efforts" in these areas. "Choice is a critical component" in countering extremist ideology, and our governments and communities need to engage in debate to counter extremism—not only with words, but by engaging in other areas like social services. The ability of a given government and society to solve global grievances may be limited, but addressing local grievances is a concrete way we can impact "our own sphere." Cilluffo added that, "while in Europe there is a 'whole of government' approach to counterradicalization, here in the U.S. it should be a 'whole of society' approach."
For more information on HSPI's policy contributions on this subject, including an HSPI Commentary authored by Dr. Levitt, as well as to download the WINEP Task Force report please visit: http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/Radicalization.htm.
About the GW Homeland Security Policy Institute, and its Policy & Research Forum series: The Homeland Security Policy Institute Policy and Research Forum series is designed to spotlight cutting-edge policy solutions and innovative strategies to some of the most pressing national and international concerns. The forum features leading officials, practitioners and thinkers in a systematic way designed to better highlight their work and promote a dialogue on effective solutions to current issues.
Founded in 2003, The George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) is a nonpartisan "think and do" tank whose mission is to build bridges between theory and practice to advance homeland security through an interdisciplinary approach. By convening domestic and international policymakers and practitioners at all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, and academia, HSPI creates innovative strategies and solutions to current and future threats to the nation. For additional information about HSPI, please visit http://homelandsecurity.gwu.edu.
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