The rise of extremism in Europe has led to increased polarisation. While much research has focused on the root causes of radicalisation, key gaps exist in understanding how social, structural, and individual factors interact. The EU-funded DRIVE project addresses these gaps.
Tahir Abbas, Professor of Radicalisation Studies at Leiden University's Institute of Security and Global Affairs, led the DRIVE project consortium as the Scientific Coordinator, which marked a significant milestone for the faculty, securing its first Horizon Europe coordinator grant. Over 42 months, a consortium of 23 European partners studied radicalisation dynamics in Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK, collecting data from thousands of participants. This article highlights the project's key findings, challenges, and lessons for the future.
Promising outcomes and research innovations
The DRIVE project provided key insights into how social exclusion, identity formation, and structural dynamics contribute to radicalisation. Moving beyond individual psychological profiles, it adopted a public mental health approach, exploring eco-bio-psychosocial factors influencing radical thought. The research revealed that radicalisation results from complex interactions between societal structures, discrimination, and marginalisation.
A notable output of the project is the Reflexive Practitioner Matrix, a tool designed to help policymakers and practitioners apply research findings in real-world settings. This matrix bridges the gap between academic insights and practical action, providing evidence-based strategies to prevent social exclusion and radicalisation. The interdisciplinary collaboration among experts from various fields enriched the research, fostering more comprehensive policy solutions.
Addressing challenges and methodological shifts
The DRIVE project encountered several challenges. The covid-19 pandemic disrupted research timelines and shifted data collection to digital platforms. This posed initial hurdles but also allowed the team to explore how digital environments influence social exclusion and radicalisation. However, it also highlighted the limitations of online methods, particularly in reaching marginalised groups.
Ethical concerns around participant well-being and data protection were persistent challenges. To address these, rigorous ethical reviews were conducted, and participant anonymity was ensured, though this added complexity to the research process. Recruitment challenges necessitated a shift in methodology, expanding the scope to include a broader range of individuals. While unplanned, this adjustment deepened the understanding of social exclusion and the diverse pathways to radicalisation.
Uncovering the unexpected: Key insights
The DRIVE project revealed unexpected findings, particularly the strong sense of social exclusion experienced by nationalist individuals. This challenges the assumption that marginalisation is confined to minority groups, emphasising the need for more nuanced strategies to promote social cohesion. Additionally, the mental distress observed among youth participants, exacerbated by uncertainty, highlighted the urgent need for integrated support addressing both social and mental health challenges.
Despite these challenges, the project uncovered resilience among marginalised youth, with family, community, and religious support acting as crucial buffers against radicalisation. This underscores the importance of strength-based approaches to countering extremism.
Policy recommendations for the future
Based on its findings, the DRIVE project puts forward key policy recommendations. These include promoting equitable policies to combat systemic discrimination and offering culturally sensitive mental health services. Youth empowerment initiatives and community-based support systems are critical in equipping young people with the tools to resist extremist narratives. The project also advocates for inclusive public discourse and anti-discrimination efforts, recognising the role of political rhetoric in shaping perceptions of belonging and exclusion.
The research underscores the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration. Government agencies, civil society, community leaders, and researchers must work together to develop effective strategies. Integrating mental health into counter-radicalisation frameworks is crucial for creating stable, inclusive environments that reduce the psychological impact of social exclusion.
DRIVE Project: Key insights for combating radicalisation
The DRIVE project has advanced our understanding of the complex factors contributing to radicalisation and polarisation across Europe. Its interdisciplinary approach emphasises the roles of social exclusion, identity formation, and public mental health, highlighting the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive policies. The findings also stress the ongoing and evolving nature of extremist ideologies, underscoring the need for continuous research and adaptive strategies.
Overall, effective counter-radicalisation requires direct partnership between governments, civil society groups, and community leaders. Evidence-based policies, built on rigorous research, strengthen community resilience. Three priorities will drive progress: comprehensive longitudinal studies, structured dialogue between researchers and policymakers, and targeted youth education programmes. The DRIVE project has established the framework for tackling radicalisation at its source.
Tekst: Benedicte Dobbinga
