In April 2018, the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) published the paper ‘Protective and promotive factors building resilience against violent radicalisation’. It identifies and explores how an understanding of protective factors can be of use when addressing risk, and can thereby contribute to the development of individual and societal resilience against extremism. The paper is written by Stijn Sieckelinck and Amy-Jane Gielen. 

Literature about risk and protective factors of generic violence in adolescence is already available, but most studies on the  problem of radicalisation and violent extremism only focusses on risk factors.

This paper specifies which risk factors can be mitigated by which protective factors; explains the importance of promotive factors in mitigating risk; explains the importance of promotive factors in enhancing well-being and strengthening individual and societal resilience; presents a kaleidoscopic overview, including implications for policies and practices.

The paper is intended for decision makers in the fields of (social) policy and practice. It provides a solid basis for those charged with tackling the risk factors that can create a breeding ground for radicalisation.

Please click on the link to read the entire RAN Issue Paper  ‘Protective and promotive factors building resilience against violent radicalisation’.