De-Radicalisation in the UK Prevent Strategy: Security, Identity and Religion(Routledge Critical Terrorism Studies)

This book examines de-radicalisation policy in the UK and addresses the contradictions evident in the conceptualisation and practice of de-radicalisation. It explores three main themes that touch upon some of the most pressing issues of our day: security, identity and religion. Situated within the Prevent strand of the UK Counter-Terrorism policy and administered by the police through the ‘Channel Programme’, policymakers have promoted de-radicalisation as a vital instrument in the fight against terrorism. Despite the political and legal importance of de-radicalisation as an instrument of counter-terrorism, we continue to know very little about the programme and the profile of individuals who have been de-radicalised, as well as having little or no access to data on the programme. There is also a glaring lacuna in the wider literature regarding the concept, theory, and evidence base for de-radicalisation policies. This book addresses this lacuna and, with the use of data collected from interviews conducted with 27 practitioners, this work reveals the existence of multiple conceptions of de-radicalisation and a number of conceptual features unique to the UK context. Subsequently, the book proposes that de-radicalisation in the UK would be best conceptualised as ‘technologies of the self’. Seen in this way, de-radicalisation is less about tackling terrorism and radicalisation and more about the re-configuring of citizenship, the construction of a mainstream British identity, and the promotion of certain subjectivities in an era of uncertainty about British political identity. This book will be of much interest to students of critical terrorism studies, de-radicalisation, counter-terrorism, UK politics and security studies in general.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Enigma of De-radicalisation 1. Radicalisation as the 'New Security Challenge' 2. The Concept of De-radicalisation: An Analysis of Research Data 3.An Alternative Concept: De-radicalisation as the 'Technologies of the Self' 4. Discursive Technology (Truth): The Production of Radicalisation 5. Disciplinary Technology (Power): Surveillance, Detection, Discpline 6. Confession Technology (Identity): 'Salvation in this Life' 7. Implications and a New Strategy for Engagement Conclusion: Overton Windows

About the Author :
M. S. Elshimi is a Research Analyst at the Royal United Services Institute specialising in Countering Violent Extremism. He has a PhD in Ethno-Political Studies from Exeter University, UK.

Review :
'This book is an essential resource for researchers, policymakers and activists challenged with the task of understanding the processes of radicalisation and de-radicalisation in the British context and beyond. It questions the viability of the ‘Prevent’ programme, providing a nuanced, detailed and insightful account of what works or not in the context of both the concept and in the delivery of countering violent extremism programming. It facilitates a grounded social science understanding to help resolve a significant multi-faceted and multi-layered concern facing liberal democracies today and in the near future. This remarkable, brave and profound book is an indispensable intellectual contribution.' -- Tahir Abbas, Royal United Services Institute, UK 'Elshimi’s book represents the next step in research on (de)radicalisation, and should be essential reading for anyone who has an interest in this field. The examination of the "Prevent" policy in De-Radicalisation in the UK Prevent Strategy provides welcome clarity and insight in to what’s happening on the ground, policy development, and a frank and useful assessment of political discourse that marks a new and refreshing point of departure for this subject.' -- Jonathan Githens-Mazer, University of Exeter, UK