Organisations engaged in counter-terrorism (CT) and preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) have long demonstrated resilience amid volatile funding environments. However, the recent, sector-wide decline in P/CVE funding, coupled with shrinking political space, is unprecedented and unsustainable. Surveyed stakeholders report severe consequences for their work, including diminished focus on root causes of radicalisation, erosion of human rights-compliant practices, and the weakening of civil society’s role—particularly across the Middle East. Critical areas such as community resilience, root cause analysis, and gender-sensitive approaches have been disproportionately affected. In this policy brief, seven major developments are identified that cause this contraction, largely influenced by shifting geopolitical priorities and reduced terror threats in Europe. It furthermore risks dismantling years of progress, expertise, and networks. As extremist groups regain influence and space for prevention shrinks, the threat of a more complex resurgence looms. The policy brief offers some strategies to navigate this changing landscape.
Under Pressure: Rethinking Comprehensive Approaches to CT and P/CVE in an Age of Austerity and Instability (Bibi van Ginkel – ICCT)
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