• E4J University Module Series: Counter-Terrorism

• Module 2: Conditions Conducive to the Spread of Terrorism

• Introduction and learning outcomes

• Key issues

• • 'Radicalization' and 'violent extremism'
  • Preventing and countering violent extremism (PVE/CVE)
  • Drivers of violent extremism
  • International approaches to preventing and countering violent extremism
  • Regional and multilateral approaches to preventing and countering violent extremism

• Exercises and case studies

• Possible class structure

• Core reading

• Advanced reading

• Student assessment

• Additional teaching tools

• References

 

Published in July 2018.

 

 

  This module is a resource for lecturers  

 

Introduction

 

A central objective of any effective counter-terrorism strategy, which is true of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy 2006 (United Nations CT Strategy) and its annexed Plan of Action (General Assembly resolution 60/288) around which this University Module Series is framed, is to prevent terrorist acts from occurring. Each of the Strategy's four pillars has a preventive role to play. Of particular relevance to this Module is Pillar I, which is concerned with "addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism", especially its relationship with Pillar IV "Ensuring Human Rights and the Rule of Law". Rule of law violations, including those committed by States in the course of their counter-terrorism efforts, are among some of the primary current drivers of violent extremism. In this way, the current Module builds upon Module 1, which introduced students to the concept and historical perspective of terrorism, including some of the different forms that it may take. The primary objective of this Module is to set up some key overarching themes, which are explored in more detail throughout the remainder of the University Module Series (Modules 3-14). In particular, discussion of Pillar I issues is framed around current international efforts and discourse aimed at better understanding and more effectively preventing/countering violent extremism.

 

Learning outcomes

• Understand the "conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism", focusing especially on preventing and countering violent extremism (PVE/CVE).
• Identify and explain some of the challenges associated with current PVE/CVE efforts.
• Examine and compare some of the primary United Nations, regional and multilateral approaches to PVE/CVE.
• Consider some of the principal drivers of violent extremism, together with current initiatives in response to them.
• Examine the relationship between "conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism" and adherence to/violations of the rule of law.
• Identify and analyse some interdisciplinary perspectives on PVE/CVE issues.

 

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