About Book

In this critical article, Mario Novelli examines how education has been increasingly used as a tool for countering violent extremism (CVE), particularly within international development and policy frameworks. He argues that many CVE education strategies are shaped by Western security logics, initially designed for the Global South but now being applied in the Global North as well. The article critiques the securitization of education, where schools and universities are positioned as instruments to monitor, prevent, or counter radicalization. Novelli warns that such approaches risk undermining the core purposes of education—critical thinking, inclusivity, and empowerment—by turning education systems into extensions of security policy. Instead, he advocates for a more holistic and justice-oriented approach, emphasizing inequality, marginalization, and political grievances as root causes of extremism. The article stresses that effective prevention requires addressing structural issues and promoting inclusive, peace-oriented education, rather than relying solely on security-driven interventions.Strengths: Offers a critical and balanced perspective on CVE education policies. Highlights risks of over-securitization of education systems. Connects extremism prevention with structural inequalities and global politics. Encourages context-sensitive and ethical approaches. Limitations: Primarily theoretical and policy-focused, with limited empirical data. Critiques existing models more than providing detailed alternatives. May be seen as normative or critical rather than practical.