Rehabilitating the Terrorists?: Challenges in Assessing the Effectiveness of De-radicalization Programs

Using Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements to manage and supervise terrorist offenders: Findings from an exploratory study

“…Instruments to assess the risk posed to the public by sexual and violent offenders were developed using, and validated against, data from large samples of similar offenders. Assessing the risk of reoffending by terrorists is well-recognised as posing challenges to those trying to counter or prevent violent extremism (Horgan and Braddock, 2010).…”

“…A complicating factor is distinguishing between thoughts about being violent and actually being violent. Not all those who hold radical or extreme views seek to express that radicalisation through engagement in terrorism, just as not all those who are involved in terrorism are necessarily 'radical' themselves (Horgan and Braddock, 2010).…”

Chinese Strategy for De-radicalization

“…Admittedly, research findings have shown that many of those who disengage from terrorist activity are not necessarily de-radicalized. 66 As for the programs that target other people so as to address the extremist "atmosphere," it is also too premature to call it a success. The judgment of a less intense "atmosphere" is probably based on signs such as a decline in violent attacks and the rare sightings of face coverings.…”

A "Former" Perspective: A Qualitative Thematic Exploration of the Disengagement Process from Violent Right Wing Extremism.

“…Disengagement refers to the stopping of VETA, whereas de-radicalization refers to moving beyond changing behavior and emphasizing a cognitive shift (Dechesne, 2011;Bjorgo & Horgan, 2009;Horgan & Braddock, 2010;Horgan, 2008;Horgan, 2009) My reply was "a shift in paradigm, or changing radical thinking to a more normalized and acceptable way of thinking and being." 1 8 1…”

“…o Disengagement from RWE can mean many things (Bjorgo & Horgan, 2009;Dechesne, 2011;Horgan & Braddock, 2010). Essentially disengagement is defined and quantified by the omitance of extremist behavior.…”