ABSTRACT
YES: An effective counterterrorism tool
Daniel Koehler
This section of the chapter argues for the effectiveness of counter-radicalisation in countering terrorism by first addressing its opposing arguments. The author puts forward evidence for the connection between radicalisation and terrorism and argues that failing to address the ideological aspect of involvement in terrorism would increase the risk of recidivism and re-radicalisation. He then discusses specific counterterrorism effects from such programmes, including the reduction of manpower of terrorist organisations, effects on the groups’ structure and psychology, knowledge about how radicalisation works and counter-narratives to address the threat.
NO: A suspect counterterrorism ‘science’ that ignores economic marginalisation, foreign policy and ethics
Charlotte Heath-Kelly
This section of the chapter delivers a three-pronged critique of the effectiveness of counter-radicalisation as a counterterrorist tool: an immanent critique, a second-order critique and the ethical consequences of counter-radicalisation programmes. The author contests the assumed link between radicalisation and terrorism and points out the political rather than evidence-based context of how these policies emerged. Some of the ethical implications of current counter-radicalisation programmes include the creation of suspect communities, excessive policing and community surveillance.
