"RAN Update" Newsletter Issues

Foreword (05/07/2024)

As the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) transitions into the new Knowledge Hub this summer, we take a look at what RAN has been able to achieve over the past 13 years; at some of the violent extremist threats that we face today; and why and how the Knowledge Hub is set-up to tackle these threats. To do this, we feature the final RAN Practitioners Spotlight magazine, the final episode of The View and a short film which introduces the Knowledge Hub.

To learn more about the Knowledge Hub, you can read this fact sheet and brochure. Work will begin on the new Knowledge Hub website over the summer. The Knowledge Hub will also develop a new comprehensive expert database. Practitioners are encouraged to register in this database when more details are shared over the summer. Registering in this database will be needed to be able to participate in the activities of the Knowledge Hub.

Spotlight (05/07/2024)

In the final RAN Practitioners Spotlight magazine, we take a look at some of the achievements of RAN over the past 13 years and a look ahead at some of the challenges to come and how the Knowledge Hub is set-up to support first-line practitioners, policy makers and researchers alike to deal with them.

The View (05/07/2024)

In the final episode of The View – a panel show which explores some of the latest trends and issues in P/CVE – three experts take a look at the impact of global crisis, such as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, upon European communities, as well as the P/CVE landscape in 2024.

Film (05/07/2024)

A short film, which features a representative from the European Commission, RAN Working Group leads and a member of RAN YOUNG, introduces the Knowledge Hub as a new platform which brings together practitioners, policy makers and academics to tackle the P/CVE challenges of today and tomorrow.

RAN Handbook on Mental Health (05/07/2024)

The current version of the RAN Handbook on ‘Extremism, Radicalisation & Mental Health’ is designed as a research- and theory-informed aid for clinical forensic practitioners working with individuals who present with extremism risk/vulnerability and mental illness. The handbook was authored by Dr Zainab Al-Attar, University of Central Lancashire on behalf of RAN Practitioners.

Manifesto for Education (05/07/2024)

In April 2022, RAN Practitioners published a second edition of its ‘Manifesto for Education’, which called for educators, partners and governments to take action to stem the rise of violent extremism across Europe. This paper reviews progress made to date against the original 2015 Manifesto and identifies areas for further development.

Responses to returning foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) (05/07/2024)

This manual outlines responses to foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and their families, returning or planning to return to their home countries within the EU, from conflict or post-conflict zones such as Syria and Iraq. This edition of the manual highlights responses from the perspectives of practitioners, academics and policymakers.

RAN Rehabilitation Manual (05/07/2024)

The RAN Rehabilitation Manual provides guidance for practitioners working to rehabilitate radicalised and terrorist offenders, both within and outside prison. It provides a comprehensive overview of the chronological phases of rehabilitation. The various organisations and individuals contributing to rehabilitation processes are offered a structured assessment of important points of attention.

Extremists’ use of gaming and gaming-adjacent platforms (05/07/2024)

This discusses how traditional gaming (adjacent) platforms have contributed to extremist activities and how extremist individuals and organisations make strategic and organic use of the platforms. The paper also explores opportunities for primary and secondary prevention on gaming (adjacent) platforms.

The role of gender in extremism and P/CVE (05/07/2024)

This paper discusses the role of gender within extremist groups and in an individual’s radicalisation process. The paper looks into the roles of masculinity and women within these groups; if and how gender-specific approaches will affect P/CVE work; and, whether the gender of professionals themselves also influences P/CVE work.

Contact details (17/02/2020)

Contact details (17/02/2020)

Publications (05/07/2024)

Over the past few years RAN Practitioners has produced dozens of publications which have helped its members to better understand and address a range of P/CVE topics and issues. We include a small selection of some of the most recent, relevant and important publications below. For more publications, you can visit the RAN Practitioners website here.

RDaVR (28/06/2024)

We continue our series of featuring some of the best P/CVE projects funded by the EU. In this Update we focus on the RDaVR project, which aims to prevent the radicalisation of young people.

RAN Reporters (28/06/2024)

The latest episode of RAN Reporters – a series of films which uncover some of the best and most interesting and innovative projects being delivered by members of the RAN Practitioners network – visits EXIT-Germany in Berlin, to learn about how it helps people across Germany leave extremist movements.

Foreword (28/06/2024)

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, between Israel and Hamas, is having a polarising effect upon communities across the EU. Violent extremists are capitalising on events to sow division and discord in order to radicalise and recruit. In this context, the focus of many practitioners within the RAN network is to prevent vulnerable individuals from joining violent extremist groups. However, running in parallel to this effort and just as important is the work of those practitioners whose job it is to help people leave radical environments and extremist groups. This work is often highly sensitive, sometimes dangerous and time-consuming. In this edition of the RAN Practitioners Update we find out more about the work and life of an exit worker. To do this, the Update features the most recent RAN Reporters film, the latest RAN In Focus podcast and relevant papers on the topic.

Dealing with anti-system/anti-government attitudes and extremism among young people (28/06/2024)

This paper discusses how practitioners experience and observe anti-system/anti-government extremism (ASAGE) among the young people they work with. The paper gives an overview of general and circumstance-specific elements that construct the breeding ground for ASAGE and outlines new strategies and approaches to dealing with it.

Spotlight (28/06/2024)

A recent edition of the RAN Practitioners Spotlight magazine takes a look at some of the challenges and approaches to exit work. The publication features a film about the Deaconess Foundation in Finland, a feature on EXIT-Germany and articles on mentorship and the role of civil society.

RAN in Focus (28/06/2024)

The first in a new three-part series of RAN Practitioners podcasts, called RAN in Focus, on online interventions, explores the world of online exit work. In conversation, the podcast discusses the work of Lotta Carlsson and how she has used the online world and digital technologies in her work.

Paper (28/06/2024)

A RAN Practitioners paper, produced in 2022, explores the role civil society or-ganisations play in exit work, and how they can collaborate with different govern-mental stakeholders to design and co-implement sustainable exit programmes.

Digital youth work (20/06/2024)

The first in a three-part series of RAN In Focus podcasts on online interventions, explores the world of digital youth work. In conversation, the podcast discusses the work of Werner Prinzjakowitsch from the Vienna Association of Youth Centres and the challenges he has faced in connecting with and supporting young people online.

Foreword (20/06/2024)

Innovations in digital technology are giving more and more opportunities to violent extremist groups all around the world to radicalise and recruit. Such groups are now increasingly adept at adopting, adapting and exploiting the latest digital technologies to reach and engage their audiences online. As practitioners therefore, we need to stay abreast of the latest digital trends, recognise that the lines between offline and online are becoming increasingly blurred and find ways to get online. In this edition of the RAN Practitioners Update we take a look at some of the work being done by practitioners online, including law enforcement agencies, youth workers and exit workers. To do this, the Update features the latest RAN In Focus podcasts, a recent RAN Reporters film and relevant Spotlight magazine.

ORPHEUS - Offline and online Radicalisation Prevention Holding Back Extremism and Upholding Security (20/06/2024)

We continue our series of featuring some of the best P/CVE projects funded by the EU. In this Update we focus on the ORPHEUS project, which aims to prevent the radicalisation of young people both online and offline.

Adolescent boys returning from Da’esh territory (20/06/2024)

This paper captures the main insights from a RAN Practitioners study visit to the Union of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) in Brussels, where participants discussed the challenges surrounding the safe repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration of adolescent boys to Europe from Iraq and Syria, and the different approaches available to them.

RAN Reporters (20/06/2024)

In a recent episode of RAN Reporters – a series of films which uncover some of the best and most interesting and innovative projects being delivered by members of the RAN Practitioners network – we visit Tallinn in Estonia, to learn about online community policing and the work of the Web Constables.

Spotlight (20/06/2024)

A RAN Practitioners Spotlight magazine from 2023 takes a look at both how violent extremist organisations exploit gaming and gaming-adjacent platforms to radicalise and recruit young people, as well as the opportunity that games and gaming represents for practitioners working in P/CVE.

Resocialisation and reintegration measures for VETOs post prison-release in the Western Balkans (20/06/2024)

This paper delves into the concept of violent extremism within the Western Balkans, offering insights into the historical backdrop. It also provides an overview of deradicalisation, disengagement, and resocialisation (DDR) practices, highlighting the challenges and gaps encountered during the post-release phase. Furthermore, the paper highlights specific DDR practices.

Community policing online (20/06/2024)

The first in a new three-part series of RAN In Focus podcasts on online interventions, explores the world of digital youth work. In conversation, the podcast discusses the work of Werner Prinzjakowitsch from the Vienna Association of Youth Centres and the challenges he has faced in connecting with and supporting young people online.

RAN in Focus (20/06/2024)

RAN Practitioners has produced a new three-part series of podcasts, called RAN in Focus, which explore the world of on online interventions. The podcasts take an in-depth look at digital youth work, community policing online and online exit work. You can find out more, including links to the RAN Practitioners YouTube channel where you can listen to each of the three podcasts in the section below.

Improving risk assessment: Accounting for gender (20/06/2024)

This paper assesses why gender should be a consideration in risk assessment. To do this, the paper takes a look at women’s radicalisation and gender roles, and the challenges and gaps in assessing violent extremist women. The paper provides practical guidance and recommendations for practitioners looking to develop risk assessments for women.

RAN Practitioners webinar on the Newest Developments of Islamist Extremism (10/06/2024)

This webinar will be held in English and will take place via Webex Events. 15.00 – 16.30 (CEST)

We are pleased to invite you to the RAN Practitioners webinar on the Newest Developments of Islamist Extremism, which will take place on 10 June 2024 from 15.00 to 16.30 (CEST).

Swedish approach to tackling violent right-wing extremism (11/06/2024)

This meeting will take place on 11 June in Stockholm, Sweden.

We are looking for participants that are interested in joining the upcoming study visit on the Swedish approach to tackling violent right-wing extremism.

Foreword (13/05/2024)

Victims/survivors of terrorism (both those who have been targets of a terrorist attack and those who have lost a relative) play an important role in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), given they can testify to the harm and suffering caused by terrorism. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, which was first created to remember those who lost their lives in the 2004 Madrid train bombings. In this edition of the RAN Practitioners Update we therefore explore the importance of this day, the need to support victims, and enable them to play a role in P/CVE. This includes the latest RAN Reporters Spotlight magazine, film and summary of the event. The Update also highlights some upcoming RAN Practitioners events, the most recent RAN Practitioners papers, and a project delivered by a member of the network.

Ceremony (13/05/2024)

On 11 March 2024, the EU paid tribute to victims and survivors of terrorism. Organised by the European Commission, in close cooperation with the RAN Victims and Survivors of Terrorism Working Group (VoT) and the Spanish government, the European Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, heard from a number of victims who shared their experiences and gave their testimonies. The event featured a minute of silence, the tree ceremony and musical interludes.

Spotlight (13/05/2024)

The latest edition of the RAN Practitioners Spotlight magazine takes a look at the role of victims/survivors of terrorism in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE).

The magazine features a summary of the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism and some case studies about organisations which support victims/survivors of terrorism.

Film (13/05/2024)

A short film produced by RAN Practitioners captures some of the highlights from the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism. The film hears from the RAN VoT Working Group co-leads about the importance of the day, as well as from a number of victims/survivors from across the EU who attended and/or shared their testimonies at the event.

Strategic programmes for resilience against extremism and crime in challenged neighbourhoods (28/05/2024)

Teaser

Trust-building and the context of the P/CVE practitioner (28/05/2024)

Teaser

Emotional governance: deconstructing local P/CVE strategies in the face of ‘salad bar extremism’ and understanding and grievances (30/05/2024)

Teaser

EU Handbook on victims of terrorism (13/05/2024)

The EU Handbook on victims of terrorism, produced by the EU Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism, aims to assist in the practical implementation of the EU legislation on the rights of victims of terrorism. It is based on lessons learned from responses to previous terrorist attacks. The Handbook is accompanied by a separate Annex.

Ensuring the well-being of victims/survivors of terrorism involved in P/CVE (13/05/2024)

A recent paper by RAN Practitioners, published in March 2024, explores how to safeguard the well-being of victims/survivors of terrorism, including how to provide safe environments, how to involve victims/survivors in the design of interventions, how to provide support during the delivery of interventions and how to provide aftercare.

RADEX (13/05/2024)

We continue our series of featuring some of the best P/CVE projects funded by the EU. In this Update we focus on the RADEX project, which aims to prevent the radicalisation of young people.

Making use of (the resilience of) victims/survivors of terrorism in preventing conspiracy narratives in schools (13/06/2024)

This meeting will take place on 13 and 14 June in Prague, Czech Republic.

Synergies between rehabilitation and peacebuilding, mediation, and restorative justice (04/06/2024)

Tuesday 4 June & Wednesday 5 June 2024, Riga (LV) | Lunch-to-lunch meeting

Foreword (22/04/2024)

The rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences, others returning from conflict zones, including the families of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), and those leaving extremist groups is one of the biggest security challenges facing EU Member States today. In this edition of the RAN Practitioners Update we therefore feature some of the latest RAN Practitioners products which take a look at this important issue. This includes the latest RAN Reporters Spotlight magazine and a recent episode of RAN Reporters. The Update also highlights some upcoming RAN Practitioners events, the most recent RAN Practitioners papers, and a project delivered by a member of the network.

Spotlight (22/04/2024)

The latest edition of the RAN Practitioners Spotlight magazine takes a look at some of the challenges related to rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as some of the approaches that have been taken, including multi-agency approaches, mentorship and counselling with families.

Manual (22/04/2024)

The RAN Practitioners Rehabilitation Manual offers guidance to first line practitioners regarding the rehabilitation of radicalised and terrorist offenders inside as well as outside of prison.

The Manual describes the seven phases of the rehabilitation process and explores a series of cross-cutting issues.

Project (22/04/2024)

An episode of RAN Reporters – a series of films which uncover some of the most interesting, innovative and new projects being delivered by members of the RAN Practitioners network – visits the Deaconess Foundation in Finland, to learn about its holistic approach to exit work.

Online dimension of first line practitioners’ daily practice (22/04/2024)

Online dimension of first line practitioners’ daily practice

Dealing with conspiracy narratives in the close social environment. A practical handbook to help the helpers (22/04/2024)

This paper provides insights on the underlying functionality of conspiracy narratives and their possible links to violent extremism, and gives advice to practitioners on effective strategies for dealing with such narratives. The paper also provides a summary of a toolkit, published by RAN Practitioners in 2023, on how to deal with conspiracy narratives with your family and friends.

Explorative meeting on dealing with problematic manifestations of the extreme left (22/04/2024)

This paper provides insights for practitioners on the extreme left and presents testimonies on how related topics feature in the daily work of practitioners in schools and youth work organisations, and the related impact on their professional responsibility to build resilience and safeguard pupils from exploitation by extremist recruiters.

Management of women violent extremist and terrorist offenders in prison (22/04/2024)

This paper explores the special considerations and tailor-made measures that should be developed and adopted for the management of female violent extremist and terrorist offenders (VETOs) in prison, including include gender-specific requirements. The paper also provides an overview of the different push and pull factors among women towards violent extremism.

Younger generations, older tragedies: how can commemoration involving youth support PVE? (22/04/2024)

This paper discusses the role of continued commemoration in preventing and countering further and future violence. The paper presents the theoretical aspects as well as concrete examples linked to continued commemoration, and focuses on the engagement of young generations, who have not directly lived through atrocities.

Online guided tour for police officers on right-wing extremism and accelerationism (22/04/2024)

This paper examines the landscape of right-wing extremism (RWE) and accelerationism, providing an overview of the role of the police in the online sphere – including critical thinking, media literacy, fostering resilience, and online monitoring and interventions – the challenges they encounter, and the methods of monitoring and intervention.

The role of prison leadership to ensure minimal standards for P/CVE work in the prison environment (22/04/2024)

This paper examines the role of prison management in enabling P/CVE work. In doing so, the paper provides an overview of the work of Centre d’Estudis Jurídics i Formació Especialitzada (CEJFE) in Barcelona, Spain (Center for Legal Studies and Specialized Training), including its training programme for prison staff.

RAN YOUNG exchange with RAN Practitioners (22/04/2024)

This paper provides an overview of young people’s perspectives on a range of P/CVE topics, including violent right wing extremism (VRWE), polarisation, marginalisation, online extremism, gender, and anti-immigration sentiments. The papers summarises insights shared by members of the RAN YOUNG Platform.

CEDAR – Continuing Education Against Radicalisation (22/04/2024)

We continue our series of featuring some of the best P/CVE projects funded by the EU. In this Update we focus on the CEDAR project, which improves the skills of practitioners in the field of radicalisation and extremism in educational and university settings, by supporting them with the necessary competencies for risk identification and prevention.

Practical methods and approaches to conducting multi-agency case conferences of violent extremist or terrorist offenders (VETOs) (04/06/2024)

Tuesday 4 June (12.00 – 17.30) and Wednesday 5 June 2024 (9.00 – 14.00), lunch to lunch