Global Challenges of Social Pedagogy: Preventing Radicalisation and Violent Extremism

Nika Ferbežar

Summary:  Radicalisation is understood as a cognitive, ideological and/or emotional process that may heighten the risk of engagement in extremist behaviours, whereas violent extremism is primarily framed as a behavioural phenomenon. Both are complex, multidimensional processes with global significance. In Slovenia, however, radicalisation and violent extremism remain underexplored in the socio-pedagogical research, partly due to the absence of domestic terrorist incidents. Against this backdrop, the present article frames radicalisation and violent extremism as socio-pedagogical issues requiring further inquiry. First, the factors underlying youth radicalisation and violent extremism are outlined, with a particular focus on the push, pull and individual factors that should guide sociopedagogical prevention efforts. Second, despite the dearth of rigorous data, this article presents the best available foundations for the future development of Slovene socio-pedagogical theory and practice, drawing on international knowledge regarding possible prevention strategies. Finally, this article emphasises that social pedagogy provides a necessary counterpoint to securitisation, highlighting the relevance of contextual complexity, relationality and inclusion when addressing radicalisation and extremism. This article concludes that developing evidence-based, multidimensional sociopedagogical approaches is essential to effectively prevent radicalisation and violent extremism in the educational context while safeguarding inclusive and democratic educational environments.