Understanding Deradicalization: Methods, Tools and Programs for Countering Violent Extremism(Contemporary Terrorism Studies)

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the different aspects of deradicalization theories, programs and methods. It analyzes the practical and theoretical aspects of deradicalization programs and the methods being employed to bring extremists and terrorist back to a non-violent life. The book includes in-depth case studies on programs and former extremists, including interviews with former German neo-Nazis and families of Jihadists who have received deradicalization counselling. Using a coherent theory of radicalization and deradicalization, it integrates existing programs into a typology and methodology regarding the effects and concepts behind deradicalization. In addition, a current state of the art assessment of deradicalization programs around the world provides a collection of programs and landscapes worldwide. It thereby functions as a unique guide for practitioners and policymakers in need of evaluation or construction of such programs, as well as a resource pool for academics interested in research about deradicalization programs and processes. The major aim of this book is to consolidate the existing scholarship on deradicalization and to move the field forward by proposing a coherent theory of deradicalization, including ways to measure effectiveness, standard methods and procedures, different actors of such programs and cooperation on national and international level. In essence, this work enables the reader to identify how, when and why deradicalization programs work, how they can be built and structured, and to identify their limitations. This book will be of interest to students of radicalisation, counter-terrorism, radical Islam, criminology, security studies and IR.

Table of Contents:
Foreword, John Horgan 1. Introduction 2. Methods, Sources, State of the Art 3. The Theory of (De)-Radicalization 4. De-Radicalization and Counter Terrorism 5. A Typology of De-Radicalizaiton Programs 6. Family Counselling as a Special Case of De-Radicalization 7. Effects and Effectiveness of De-Radicalization Programs 8. Moral and Methodological Problems 9. Tools and Methods 10. The Global De-Radicalization and CVE Landscape at a Glance 11. Conclusion: Lessons Learned

About the Author :
Daniel Köhler is Director of the German Institute on Radicalization and De-Radicalization Studies (GIRDS), Berlin, Germany and Fellow at George Washington University's Program on Extremism.

Review :
‘Very few subjects have recently received more attention than the subject of deradicalisation, particularly since the 9/11 attacks on World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. Yet, very few studies have provided either a comprehensively detailed inventory for such programs or even a framework that enables policy-makers and practitioners to design and effectively implement deradicalisation programs in different contexts. Understanding Deradicalisation: Methods, Tools and Programs for Countering Violent Extremism by Daniel Koehler simply does both in an accessible, entertaining and consistent manner. It is the only book to build what amounts to genuine theory of deradicalisation programs. The book is an essential reading for students of politics, terrorism, security studies, Middle East, European Union and international relations at all levels.' -- Hamed El-Said, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, UK ‘Understanding Deradicalization provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date overview of​ worldwide efforts to bring extremists and those on the path to violent extremism back into mainstream society. As Director of the German Institute on Radicalization and Deradicalization Studies, Daniel Koehler combines practical experience with academic expertise. With this encyclopa​edic monograph, he has written a seminal text against which all others in this field will be judged for years to come.’ -- Alex P. Schmid​, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), Netherlands ‘This is the single most comprehensive work I have read on de-radicalisaiotn processes and programs. Daniel Koehler has made a valuable contribution to both the literature on terrorism and de-radicalisation. Very highly recommended to anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of transition from armed to unarmed activism.’ -- Omar Ashour, University of Exeter, UK ‘Daniel Koehler is widely recognized as a pioneer in both the practical and theoretical aspects of de-radicalization. In this book he condenses his immense knowledge, making it a must read for anybody interested in extremism and terrorism.’ -- Lorenzo Vidino, George Washington University, USA ‘A pathfinder for practitioners and scholars, Koehler's book is the most comprehensive study on global deradicalization programs.’ -- Rohan Gunaratna, Nanyang Technological University Singapore 'Koehler's book is the most methodologically rigorous, theoretically-informed, and comprehensive on this topic, to date. He brings immense depth of both experience and scholarship to this important volume.' -- Michael J. Williams, Georgia State University, USA