The BRaVE Project explores how and why polarisation and violent extremism develops and what we can do to best respond to it. It is being conducted by a consortium of experts from universities and civil society organisations across Europe.
The project comes at a time of great global uncertainty when European societies are at risk of becoming polarised and fractured by movements hostile to democratic norms. Vulnerable social groups – including a growing number of people disenfranchised by perceived and real inequality – may be seduced by the powerful sense of belonging and purpose offered by joining extremist and populist groups or movements. The activities of such groups can lead to disruption of social cohesion, diminished civic capacity, greater social tensions, hate speech, discrimination and violence.
The BRaVE Project explores what European countries can learn from the studies, policies and programmes implemented so far to counter violent extremism and polarisation, the limitations in such approaches, and what tools can be developed to support practitioners, policy makers and stakeholders across Europe in building resilient communities. It surveys relevant policies, programmes and research projects on the national, European and international level aiming to counteract polarisation and violent extremism. Using this review, it aims to design and build a set of Polarisation Indicators and explore the role of three sets of factors in providing fertile ground for polarisation: historical and cultural factors; real and perceived socio-economic inequalities; and media discourses, particularly social media bubbles. It will also create policy recommendations on the use of interfaith and intercultural education, arts and sports – with a special focus on youth – to build resilient communities and prevent polarisation.
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