ABSTRACT
Criticisms of counter-extremism policy are often framed in the abstract – encroachment on freedom of expression or religion, racism, or islamophobia – but the day-to-day reality of implementing counter-extremism policy across Europe is far removed, throwing up practical issues that require urgent responses. This chapter highlights freedom of expression, religion, and human rights. It shows that states can and should challenge extremism, not negatively but positively, by robustly challenging the views and confidently asserting the historical values on which their democratic system is founded and interfering with expression only in limited ways in certain settings. The chapter describes challenging non-violent extremism is a legitimate activity of the state. It explains European countries which are grappling to find the right balance when shaping refining policies to remain effective whilst protecting individual liberty. The chapter explores the United Kingdom’s approach, though in its infancy, is careful, reasonable, and defensible.
