About Book

Perspectives on Countering Extremism: Diversion and Disengagement is a comprehensive academic volume that addresses the critical yet often underexplored dimension of early intervention strategies in combating violent extremism. Unlike conventional studies that focus predominantly on the processes of radicalization and counter-radicalization methods, this book emphasizes Diversion — proactive, upstream interventions aimed at redirecting individuals and communities away from paths of radicalization before extremist ideologies take firm root. The editors compile contributions from both academics and practitioners, offering a multidisciplinary perspective that bridges theory and practice. Case studies span diverse geographic contexts across the Global North and South, including Europe and Southeast Asia, highlighting practical implementations of diversion strategies in schools, community centers, and law enforcement contexts. The book examines methods used by social workers, educators, counselors, and police, exploring their efficacy, challenges, and the broader societal impact of these interventions. Topics include co-creation of resilience in communities, early intervention in school systems, and individualized approaches to disengagement.In today’s global context, where radical ideologies can proliferate rapidly online and offline, this book offers actionable insights for preventing extremism before it escalates into violent behavior. Its focus on youth diversion, community-based programs, and educational interventions aligns directly with strategies to promote social cohesion, resilience, and interfaith harmony. Policymakers, educators, and civil society actors can leverage these insights to design programs that rehabilitate at-risk individuals, empower communities, and counter extremist narratives, fulfilling the dual goals of security and societal well-being. The inclusion of diverse case studies provides comparative lessons for global application, demonstrating scalable models for prevention and early intervention.Strengths of the book include its comprehensive, multi-contextual approach, blending academic research with practitioner experience, and its focus on early-stage intervention, which is often overlooked in counterterrorism literature. The detailed case studies provide concrete examples of successes and challenges, facilitating evidence-based policy recommendations. Limitations may include a need for more extensive quantitative data to evaluate long-term outcomes of diversion programs, but this is offset by its strong qualitative insights and practical relevance. Compared to other works in extremism studies, this book is unique in framing diversion as a core, proactive strategy rather than reactive counter-radicalization.