De-Radicalization: The Implications for Human Security

Dr. Christie was awarded a Research and Professional Development grant to present a paper on de-radicalization approaches analyzed through a broad lens.

Extremist jihadi groups have increased globally since 2010, leaving nation-states reeling from devastating terror attacks and scrambling to find solutions to counter the radicalization of their citizens, in particular the youth cohort. The response to radicalization has varied widely from extreme state-sponsored programs to community-based approaches. While European countries appear to have some level of success in implementing de-radicalization strategies, there are some Western states that struggle in finding effective models and practices. This paper highlights the difference in de-radicalization approaches within Europe and within the Canadian context and how such methods may in fact violate aspects of human security and counter important work in de-radicalization. Using comparative analysis, the paper will assess these different policy cases within the context of human security, youth, globalization, and human rights.