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Research project

PREVEX - Preventing violent extremism in the Balkans and the MENA: strengthening resilience in enabling environments

Despite the EU having revised its counter-terrorism policies several times since 2001, the destructive impact of violent extremism continues to take its toll, generating negative shocks across international borders. The overarching objective of PREVEX is, therefore, to put forward more fine-tuned and effective approaches to preventing violent extremism.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870724.

The project focuses on the broader MENA region and the Balkans, and it inquires about context-sensitive, in-depth case studies of the occurrence and non-occurrence of violent extremism, then brought together in a regional comparison.

PREVEX also seeks to improve the understanding of how different drivers of violent extremism operate. Particular emphasis is placed on how to strengthen resilience through investigating the non-occurrence of violent extremism in "enabling environments". The research methodology employs a bottom-up approach to the local–global dynamics as it frames them within an institutionalist analysis of the responses of the EU, member states and Third Countries. The project consists of a carefully assembled team of area and subject experts, representing both EU member states and the regions analysed.

The project utilises an inter-disciplinary approach informed by mixed-methods, and is, therefore, ideally positioned to ensure mutual learning between and within the EU, the Balkans and the broader MENA region. Hence, PREVEX will contribute to the development of more effective policies preventing violent extremism by strengthening societal resilience.

The documentary "Min Ana", is part of the project deliverables: it follows stories of radicalisation, faith, resilience and self-consciousness. Journeys of people searching for their identity and wondering about the role of religion in their lives. 

The team

Group members

External Partners

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