Muslim Community Motivations in Establishing a Counter-Narrative to Violent Extremism

Date Presented:

Abstract:

Following 9/11 and, more specifically for the July 7, 2005 bombings in the United Kingdom, the British government initiated and continues to implement counter-extremism programs that focus on preventing acts of violent Islamic extremism. Many scholars critique one program in particular, Prevent, for targeting the Muslim community and asserting that the program has done more harm than good within the broader counter-extremism goals of the government. One aspect of Prevent allows for the funding of youth engagement programs specifically within the Muslim community. However, these moments of engagement—often viewed as a tool for the government to “watch” the Muslim community—have tarnished the social credibility of certain community organizations. Rather than accept Prevent money, many British youth-engagement organizations struggle to find funding elsewhere. One such initiative is Adventurous Training, a program created by a think tank based out of London that brings Muslim youth into the Lake District of England to participate in “high impact, out of postcode” experiences under the guidance of the British Army.

I will look concretely on the consequences of rhetorical, financial and environmental choices for both Prevent and Adventurous Training, ultimately concluding that, despite its desire to distance itself from the British government, Adventurous Training is still dedicated to mainstreaming Muslim youth as their program upholds an overarching desire to build British nationalism. Overall, my thesis will touch on themes of nationalism, multiculturalism, identity, and the power of social capital.