Conflict within and between Communities

Lead Research Organisation: University of Birmingham
Department Name: Institute of Applied Social Sciences

Abstract

This initial scoping study seeks to examine conflict within and between communities - with respect to the role of communities in helping to defeat and/or endorse terrorism and the interface with policing efforts to counter terrorism. The research highlights the tension created by often simplified notions of community from policy perspectives, in contrast to the complexity of community as defined and experienced by members. Key findings build around the notion of 'connectors', who stand at the intersections of the different communities involved in the counter-terrorism arena, and whose complex positionalities illustrate both the challenges of community connections, and the possibility for change and conflict transformation.

Publications

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Spalek B (2014) Community Engagement for Counterterrorism in Britain: An Exploration of the Role of "Connectors" in Countering Takfiri Jihadist Terrorism in Studies in Conflict & Terrorism

 
Description This research suggests that, rather than viewing Muslim communities as being key in helping to prevent Islamist terrorism, it may be more helpful to look at the role that key individuals play in counter-terrorism initiatives. As counter-terrorism is sensitive, with there often being low trust between police officers and communities , it may be that counter-terrorism initiatives often rely upon key individuals who are positioned at the intersections of sometimes overlapping communities.
Exploitation Route The role of communities in relation to counter-terrorism is complex. This research deals with some of the complexities involved and so future research could build on this.
Sectors Communities and Social Services/Policy,Security and Diplomacy,Other