[F. Benolli, C. Sbailò, and G. Rapicett] Emerging Strategies to Prevent Islamic Radicalisation in Europe: Evidence from Italy

Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in the US and other attacks in the EU, academic interest in drivers of radicalisation and in preventive-defence policies has significantly increased. The literature offers several explanations and solutions, however further empirical research is still needed. This chapter is divided into three parts: the first part investigates original research studies related to Islamic radicalisation and terrorism. Studies included in the first part of the chapter are original quantitative and qualitative primary research published in peer-reviewed journals. In the second part, the authors focus on the main European strategies aimed at dealing with Islamic radicalisation and terrorism. In particular, innovative strategies of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) are highlighted with multiple examples from the European Union. In the last part of the chapter, we focus on the Italian case, which is experimenting with an innovative approach fostering cooperation among the State, local authorities and intermediate bodies (e.g. volunteering associations, religious communities and cultural organisations).