A comparative study of European local Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) policies

A comparative study of European local Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) policies with a specific
focus on Portsmouth and comparable cities in Belgium and the Netherlands

The threat of radicalisation and violent extremism is a significant and rising concern across EU countries.
Research on the role of local Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) policy is limited, as the focus has
previously fallen on the national level. A review of literature indicates a lack of evaluation of the impact
of local PVE activities. This research project will build upon existing good practice in Portsmouth and
established EU networks to compare local policies with cities in Belgium and the Netherlands. It will
contribute to three key areas: the evaluation of current practice; the development of future policies; and
an enhancement of theoretical understanding. It will investigate how policies are created, implemented
and evaluated at a local level; and what is the relationship with national strategies. The research will
outline the theoretical basis of local policies and to what extent are these policies integrated within a
multidisciplinary prevention approach in contrast to "stand alone" policies. In many countries, local PVE
activities are delivered by civil society organisations (CSOs). This can lead to innovative approaches, but
also challenges. It is therefore important to understand the role and impact CSOs play in local delivery
models. This research will seek to develop a 'roadmap' of evidence based good practice to assist local
policy development and contribute to a re-assessment of existing policy models. This will occur through
the exploration of how national objectives are translated locally, the assessment of PVE policy evaluation
and a deeper analysis of PVE as a multi-disciplinary policy area.