The CONNEKT project has just released the first issue of the series of publications foreseen between 2020 and mid-2023. It is Concepts and Analytical Framework. Debating Notions and Approaches to Radicalisation and Violent Extremism, where all the conceptual, theoretical and disciplinary issues concerning violent extremism and radicalisation are critically reviewed and established.

This first paper released in the framework of the Horizon 2020 EU-funded project CONNEKT sets the academic backbone for studying in upcoming stages the radicalisation processes in MENA and Balkan societies with the aim of recommending tools and measures to prevent violent extremism among youths.

Corinne Torrekens and Daphné de le Vingne (Université Libre de Bruxelles) offer in this paper a comprehensive review of definitions on issues such as terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation, and put forward the analytical models of radicalisation processes developed by researchers. The paper also presents the current state of the art regarding the different drivers of violent radicalisation processes identified in the scientific and academic literature by exploring the different macro, meso and micro levels (transnational, community and individual) and their interplay.
Finally, the authors also offer a look into the literature produced on existing mechanisms of Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) and regarding the initiatives of de-radicalisation or disengagement, and the scope and results of the programmes of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) being put in place in MENA and Balkan societies.

Torrekens holds a PhD in social and political sciences and teaches at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and has conducted research for the Groupe de recherche sur les relations ethniques, migration et égalité (GERME-ULB) linked to the integration of Islam in Belgium. Daphné de le Vingne is a PhD candidate, GERME-ULB.