A systematic review of prevention strategies for radicalisation and violent extremism in youths

Abstract

Radicalisation and violent extremism in youths are becoming critical issues worldwide, however, most research focuses on the risk factors whilst research on the protective factors are rare (Losel et. al, 2018). The aim of this systematic review is to analyse a number of preventive programmes that target radicalisation and violent extremism in youths, in order to sift what seems to be effective and doable in the field of prevention. The first section discusses the link between radicalisation and youths, and what motivates youths to become violent in order to promote their radical beliefs. This is followed by a justification and an explanation of why a systematic review of present programmes, developed since 2015, is taken up in this research. The methodology and findings are presented, highlighting what seem to be the common propositions, and difficulties of such programmes. In the final part, recommendations are made for future prevent programmes, particularly for those designed for the Maltese context.