Winning the hearts and minds: improving U.S. counter-radicalization efforts through a study of the United Kingdom’s prevent strategy
15Mar_Lavarias_Romeo.pdf (596.7Kb)Abstract
Warfare in the 21st century has matured to the point where military technology and force are no longer the keys to victory. Today’s warfare has become a war of ideas. Success in war now means winning the hearts and minds of citizens to prevent them from becoming radicalized. The research question posed is how can the United States effectively fight the war of ideas, and can it develop its own counter-strategic strategy? Utilizing the case study method aspects of the United Kingdom’s counter radicalization PREVENT strategy were examined. Based on this research, a U.S. policy model is proposed where the United States develops its own counter-radicalization strategy. The findings of this research show that a U.S. counter-radicalization strategy should be implemented. However, it would be carried out at the local level(i.e., mayor’s offices and/or governor’s offices). It will require the coordinated effort of several federal agencies to establish programs to address radicalization factors. The findings propose that this coordination be carried out by an appointed Counter radicalization Czar through the Department of Homeland Security. The Czar would have intra-departmental authority to coordinate federal agencies to promote and provide programs that address counter radicalization factors that make individuals susceptible to the terrorist message.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Countering radicalization: refocusing responses to violent extremism within the United States
(Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2011-12);The Obama Administration designated the local community as the first line of defense against violent extremist radicalization in the United States. In doing so, they called on communities to utilize existing structures ... -
The violent Islamic radicalization process: a framework for understanding
(Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2011-12);The violent Islamic radicalization process is understood differently across disciplines within the homeland security enterprise. Radicalization of U.S. citizens is an emerging threat within the homeland. Current theories ... -
The emerging threat of domestic terrorism: a systematic review of evolving needs, threats, and opportunities
(Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2014-12);The domestic terrorist threat in the United States is active and complex, with ongoing threats from violent left- and right-wing extremist groups, and radicalization and recruitment efforts by international terrorist groups. ...
