Opportunities for Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) in the Western Balkans

Timeframe: July 2017- December 2018

Funded by Berghof Foundation

This project combines collaborative research and dialogue initiatives on the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Macedonia. Together with four local research partners, we explore why some communities are particularly affected by individuals inspired by and/or joining the Islamic State (IS) or other similar violent extremist groups, while other communities may show greater resilience to the same phenomenon.

Based on the research findings, the project partners will conduct policy outreach and local dialogue initiatives, in cooperation with local stakeholders and affected communities, in order to explore and develop strategies to prevent violent radicalisation in the Western Balkans. Particular focus will be placed on the role of civil society actors (especially youths and religious leaders), in close collaboration with state institutions, in transforming the drivers of vulnerability and building resilient communities. In addition, the project will conduct intra-regional comparative analysis and exchange, as well as cross-regional peer-exchange with PVE practitioners and experts from the MENA region.