Responses to Violent Extremism

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

Why do some people join violent extremist groups and what can be done to deter them? The course seeks to help students critically reflect on the conceptual and methodological challenges in studying the human causes of violent extremism. The course also takes a problem-solving approach to thinking about solutions. Much of the recent debate among policymakers focuses on how states should respond to violent extremism and terrorism by either using harsh policies of punishment and thus deterring future acts, or concentrating on root causes and reducing incentives to use violence. Ignored in these discussions are the characteristics that distinguish groups and individuals from one another, including motivation and capabilities, which in turn directly influence the effectiveness of the state’s actions. The course argues that in order to devise appropriate strategies, it is imperative to understand the motivations of groups and individuals (grievances) as well as the methods of recruitment, incitement, support, etc. that entrepreneurs of conflict (greed) use in order to turn these grievances into violence. As such, the course will provide students with different lenses through which to analyze the manifestations of violent extremism and to use them to think about appropriate, possible response mechanisms. The course will also include a practical workshop where students will analyze the counter-radicalization strategies of various countries and design their own counter and alternative campaigns. They will also participate in a TableTop Exercise on a case study in order to develop policies for prevention and countering violent extremism. The course will employ concrete examples, case studies, and interactive exercises in order to contextualize the approaches and tools and highlight linkages between theory and practice. It will rely on lectures, and discussions based on readings as well as on case studies and profiles that students will prepare in groups.