In times when uncertainty is the norm and social distance is more a rule for survival than for etiquette, inter-disciplinary, cross-regional and collaborative research projects are more at a stake than ever. Adaptation to such complex times is an essential measure to mitigate the risk of setting a research isolated from the scholar, practitioner and policy-maker circles not directly involved in CONNEKT. Therefore, what was initially conceived as an Academic Seminar to discuss CONNEKT’s theoretical and conceptual framework has evolved into a unique opportunity to share with external actors, experts, community-led practitioners and policy-makers our main concerns regarding the gaps in researching radicalisation and violent extremism.

Parallel sessions will provide a space for discussion within the frame of each level of analysis macro, meso and micro). Each group will discuss seven pre-determined drivers of radicalisation and violent extremism in MENA and Balkans and include the impact of Covid-19. Is the pandemics a new emerging driver or does it intensify or interact with other socio-economic, religious or technological drivers? Furthermore, how can empirical research be impacted by Covid-19 circumstances and how to adapt methodologies to the new setting? The guided discussion will serve to prepare the ground for the next research stages.

Finally, a joint session involving particularly policy-makers and other institutional representatives that constitute potential targets of CONNEKT’s research results will discuss expectations, needs and applications of CONNEKT’s research engaging them into providing a particular EU perspective.