Prevention of Right-Wing Extremism, Xenophobia and Racism in ...

“tool-bags”. In other cases the analysis will reveal a minor or nascent problem that can be
addressed with fairly simple measures. In some Norwegian communities such a “mapping
seminar” has taken place within a few days after a violent episode where racists motives
were suspected or where those involved were part of a racist group. Due to confi dentiality
rules, however, such seminars are not appropriate for discussing the role of individuals and
how to handle them. But this may be done in a more limited group after such a seminar.
• A research project by external researchers providing a description and analysis of the
problem. While incorporating their knowledge, the researchers will probably do this from a
different perspective than the local agencies. Four municipalities with such problems have
received research assistance (Brumunddal, Nordstrand in Oslo, Vennesla and Kristiansand).
A fi fth community (Bøler in Oslo) received consulting from an experienced researcher for
three years, without being subject of a research project.
Such methods may of course also be combined. A “mapping seminar” may be arranged a few
days after a serious episode as a foundation for immediate action. This may be followed by a
more thorough analysis as a foundation for more long-term prevention and intervention if the
problem seems more rooted, complex, or grave.
The goal of such local mapping and analysis is to improve the accuracy of interventions.
Asking a lot of questions about what, when, how, how many, and why etc. will reduce the
risk of wasting resources on measures that probably will have no effect or, if they do, may
even be counterproductive. Two examples: One should use different strategies if the group is
well organised, has connection to foreign organisations, and has well educated participants
between 20 and 30 years old, compared to a group consisting of aggressive boys age 14-16
mized up in an on-going fi ght with a group of aggressive immigrant kids. A local scene with
100 participants must be met in a different way than a scene with only a handful of activist. In
most Norwegian communities such groups or scenes will be small. This means that individu-
ally oriented measures of intervention will play an important role.
A competent, experienced advisory service
The Norwegian advisory service was established for the same reasons as the German “Mobile
Beratungsteams”. Since the problem with racist or neo-Nazi groups is fairly limited in Norway,
the advisory service is of course not staffed with permanently employed advisors. They are
permanently employed by the police, research institutions, or municipal units, but are willing
to assist municipalities when they are in need of expertise.
To establish a team with fully employed members to handle such problems is probably not
a good idea. It will most likely be diffi cult to get those with the most experience and expertise
to accept full time employment in such a team. Teams with fully employed members run the
risk of not having the necessary competence, thereby raising the risk that they may mislead
those they are meant to guide. The team-members in Norway are among the most competent
in the particular problems at hand in the country.
20 Violent Right-Wing Extremism in Norway