What is Extremist Violence?
At CPN-PREV, we work to make the concepts behind preventing violent extremism clearer and more accessible.
Our holistic approach recognizes that there is no single path to extremist violence, but rather a mix of risk and protective factors.
The Power of Words
Words have immense power. Words shape our understanding of the world and can mobilize political and social actions.
Terms like “violent extremism”, “radicalization”, and “terrorism” can trigger strong reactions due to their psychological and social impact. However, their definitions vary across contexts and actors.
Our approach at CPN-PREVThis approach recognizes that there is no single, linear path leading to extremist violence, but rather a complex interplay of risk and protective factors at individual, relational, community, and societal levels.
Prevention means reducing the factors that can increase vulnerability, strengthening those that build resilience, and ultimately helping create safer, more resilient communities.
Defining Violent Extremism
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At CPN-PREV, we underline that violent extremism is distinct from the broader process of radicalization. While radicalization involves the gradual adoption of extreme positions that challenge the status quo, it does not inherently lead to violence. Most individuals with radical views do not resort to violent actions.
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Violent extremism emerges specifically when individuals, movements, or governments justify, advocate for, or engage in violence as a means to advance their cause and bring about social change.
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We consider violent extremism to be the use of violent means (e.g., serious threats, harm, murder, violent disorder, hateful vandalism) motivated and justified by extreme ideological positions embraced by extremist movements or individuals who identify with these beliefs and actions, to achieve ideological, social, economic, religious, or political goals.