Experts Discuss Tackling Domestic Extremism in the West in EER CEP Webinar

On Tuesday, the European Eye on Radicalization (EER) and the Counter-Extremism Project (CEP) co-hosted a webinar to discuss ways to tackle domestic extremism in the West. The event brought together experts from academia, government, and civil society to share their insights and experiences.

One of the speakers was Professor Tahir Abbas, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and an expert on extremism in South Asia. He argued that the rise of far-right extremism in the West is not a new phenomenon, but rather a resurgence of historical patterns of racism and xenophobia. He noted that far-right extremists often target Muslims, Jews, and other minority groups, and that they often use violence to achieve their goals.

Another speaker was Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a professor at American University and an expert on far-right extremism in Europe and the United States. She discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to countering domestic extremism that includes not only law enforcement, but also education, civil society, and other stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of extremism, such as social and economic inequality, and the need for a multi-pronged approach that involves both prevention and intervention.

The webinar also included a discussion on the role of technology in countering domestic extremism. Dr. Devin Burghart, the president of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, discussed the use of social media by far-right extremists to spread their ideology and recruit new members. He emphasized the need for technology companies to take a more proactive role in removing extremist content from their platforms.

The event highlighted the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to countering domestic extremism in the West. Experts agreed that the problem is complex and multifaceted, and that it requires a range of interventions and stakeholders to address. However, they also expressed optimism that progress can be made, and that by working together, we can build more resilient and inclusive societies.