The DARE project (Dialogue about Radicalisation and Equality) is active in 13 countries and aims to broaden understanding of radicalisation; to demonstrate that it is not located in any one religion or community, and to explore the effects of radicalisation on society.
DARE focuses on people aged between 12 and 30, as they are a key target of recruiters and existing research suggests they may be particularly receptive to radicalism. It will approach young people neither as victims nor perpetrators of radicalisation, but as engaged, reflexive, often passionate social actors who seek information they can trust, as they navigate a world in which calls to radicalisation are numerous.
It focuses on environments in which radicalisation messages are found, rather than terrorist events or individuals. By observing everyday encounters, researchers will be able to study people who hold radical ideas without becoming extremists, and thus help to understand what pushes others across the threshold into violence. Perhaps most importantly, this social approach will allow the researchers to map and understand the everyday strategies already used to challenge radicalisation, and to recognise the potential for people to influence their peers positively.
More information is available in English.