Deconstructing Dominant Radicalization Discourse

This chapter provides insight into dominant counter-radicalization and violent extremism discourses, policies, and practices. As one of the most significant developments in counterterrorism efforts in the last decades, counter-radicalization and violent extremism policies have substantial impact on nondominant peoples. It is intertwined with discourses on migration, integration, and religion, to name a few, and connected to law enforcement, civil society organizations, and informally organized communities. To provide an overview of the aim, focus, and reach of CR and CVE policies, the chapter describes the main lines of their development, from the origins of the discourse to its institutionalization on a supranational level. Consequently, it summarizes the main critiques, focusing on criticism regarding how CR and CVE policies institutionalize inequality and dominance. The chapter ends by discussing some of the implications of these critiques.