The Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM) will host an international symposium, sponsored by the EU. The symposium is taking place against the backdrop of the widening spectre of regional conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) which have exacerbated the threat posed by the radicalization, violent extremism, and foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). Not only because of the sheer numbers but also because of the level of terror and violence perpetrated by the terror organizations, the magnitude of the FTF problem in the current phase of the conflicts has taken the international community unprepared. Radicalization with various ideological, ethnic and religious motivations have been increasingly drawing attention from policy-makers, scholars and security institutions. This realization pushes each and every actor in the international community to cooperate with an un-biased approach supported by empirical research and local expertise.

Drawing from its research and active international presence, ORSAM acknowledges the importance of the challenge posed by radicalization, violent extremism and FTFs and believes there is an urgent need to analyse the current tools and measures. Moreover, ORSAM believes it is essential to build the required capability of both governments and institutions and the NGO to better cope with these challenges and formulate a comprehensive multi-dimensional approach that will be effective at tackling FTF and violent extremism threats.

The symposium will cover but not be limited to the below topics:

• Root Causes of Radicalization and Violent Extremism
• Foreign Terrorist Fighters
• Youth and Radicalization and Violent Extremism
• Women and Radicalization and Violent Extremism
• Social Media and Radicalization and Violent Extremism
• Coverage of Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Conventional Media Tools
• Using Cyber Measures to Tackle the Threat of Radicalization and Violent Extremism
• Lessons Learnt with respect to the Legal and Administrative Measures to Tackle the Threat of Radicalization and Violent Extremism
• The Question of Returnees
• Rehabilitation and Reintegration-Related Efforts Worldwide
• Counter-narratives
• The Role of NGOs Against the Threat of Radicalization and Violent Extremism
• The Way Forward Regarding the Research on CVE and PVE
• Improving Effectiveness of International Cooperation Regarding Radicalization and Violent Extremism

Important dates:

Abstract Submissions (500-700 words): September 1, 2019

Announcement of Selected Papers: September 15, 2019

Full Text Submissions Deadline: October 15, 2019

Tickets and accommodation will be covered for successful submissions

Link: https://icare4all.org/call-for-papers/