Countering Violent Extremism: The Evolution of Countering Violent Islamic Extremism Policies in Western Europe

Abstract

While most Western European governments have growing concerns about the potential threat posed by Islamic terrorism, their responses greatly vary. This study aims at assessing and explaining the variation in countering Violent Islamic Extremism (CVE) policies across Western Europe over time. It shows that previous domestic experience with other forms of violent extremism does not systematically impact on emergence and evolution of CVE policies specifically addressing Islamic terrorism. It suggests a series of additional factors that come into play such as vote-seeking electoral dynamics, media attention and the political perception of the need for some national CVE policy. As a result, this study discusses a series of recommendation on CVE policies and proposes a number of policy instruments to adopt.