The ambition of the project is both to identify critical knowledge gaps and to explore creative methods and approaches that can be used to better understand the growing trend of individuals engaging with and expressing composite forms of extremism - e.g. misogynistic/Incel, conspiracy theory, homophobic, far right. The initiative is led from within the International Criminological Research Unit (ICRU) at the University of Liverpool.
Project overview
Across Europe, North America, and Oceania, recent data highlights a troubling trend: an increasing number of individuals being referred to counter-extremism and de-radicalisation programs are exhibiting mixed extremist viewpoints, rather than the singular doctrinal perspectives typically associated with Far Right or Islamist extremism. This pattern is also reflected in numbers of individuals being charged with hate crimes and terrorism related offenses.
Despite evidence that a growing number of young people are engaging with concerning ideational perspectives - such as Incel, misogynistic, homophobic and conspiracy theories - significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the contexts, processes, and experiences that may encourage or influence involvement and immersion. Collecting primary evidence from individuals exploring, adopting, and promoting mixed ideological perspectives is exceptionally challenging due to ethical issues and the inherent difficulties in reaching out to seek engagement.
CUPMFE aims to increase opportunities for conversation and knowledge exchange by bringing together academics, practitioners, and civil society actors. Our goal is to create a dialogical network that will facilitate a deeper understanding of mixed, unclear, and unstable forms of extremism. The project will identify critical knowledge gaps and explore innovative methods and approaches to better comprehend this growing trend and the factors that are prevalent when journeys toward extremism begin.
The CUPMFE initiative will unfold in a series of interconnected phases, starting with a research and practice colloquium and culminating in a key findings workshop. These events will unite presently disparate stakeholder communities and foster the development of a new international network of interested parties. This network will stimulate fresh collaborations, accelerate crucial academic studies and create engagement forums capable of informing and shaping policy in this area of societal concern.
Call for papers
Research and Practice Colloquium: Conceptualising, Understanding, and Preventing Mixed Forms of Extremism
24 - 25 September 2024 | Hybrid | School of Law and Social Justice Building
Across Europe, North America, and Oceania, recent data highlights a troubling trend: an increasing number of individuals being referred to counter-extremism and de-radicalisation programs are exhibiting mixed extremist viewpoints, rather than the singular doctrinal perspectives typically associated with historically prevalent forms of extremism, such as those associated with the Far Right or Islamism. In many countries, this pattern is also reflected in numbers of individuals being charged with hate crimes and terrorism related offences.
While widespread fears have been expressed about a growing number of young people turning to or engaging with concerning ideational perspectives - such as Incel, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic and conspiracy theories - significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the contexts, processes, and experiences that may encourage or influence involvement and immersion. Although studies gathering primary data from individuals exploring, adopting, and promoting mixed ideological perspectives is ongoing, gaining access and ethical approval is exceptionally challenging.
The hybrid event aims to generate dialogue that can facilitate a deeper understanding of the nature and impacts of mixed, unclear, and unstable forms of extremism. In bringing together academics, practitioners, and civil society actors, we also wish to provide a space for network members to present their research, discuss conceptual perspectives, share new and best practice in safeguarding and risk prevention and debate shared methodological and ethical challenges.
Call for papers
Members are invited to submit abstracts (250-300 words) to be considered for either individual or co-authored paper presentations, thematic panels or roundtables. If you are suggesting a thematic panel or a roundtable you will need to include between 4 and 6 nominated participants. We are also happy to receive submissions for Posters where appropriate.
Download CUPMFE - Colloquium Call for Papers for more information. Deadline extended to 15 September 2024 | 17:00 (BST).
Submissions
Please submit all contributions via Jotform.
Register for the event
If you have any issues or require further information, please direct all enquiries to CUPMFE@liverpool.ac.uk.
To learn more about CUPMFE - or if you wish to be involved - please contact: CUPMFE@liverpool.ac.uk
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