Australias-Counter-Terrorism-Strategy-2015

2. STOPPING PEOPLEFROM BECOMINGTERRORISTSThe most effective defence against terrorism isto prevent people from becoming terrorists inthe first place.There is no one process or pathway toradicalisation to violent extremism. The exactcombination of causes and drivers are uniqueto each individual. The common element inthe process, however, is exposure to a violentextremist ideology (see Chapter 1: ChallengingViolent Extremist Ideologies for moreinformation).Family, friends and communities are thefrontline in stopping people from becomingterrorists. Australian governments supportlocal communities in this endeavour byproviding training and resources.Efforts to prevent radicalisation focus onaddressing what makes people vulnerable toviolent extremist influences and terroristrecruitment. The tools used includeindividually-tailored programmes that supportthe diversion of individuals at risk ofradicalisation to violent extremism andprogrammes to deradicalise and rehabilitateindividuals.In addition to challenging violent extremistideologies, Australian governments andcommunities are also working together toimprove social cohesion, identify and divertat-risk individuals, and deradicalise thosealready influenced by violent extremism. Likeother forms of crime prevention, the aim ofthese activities is to help people get their livesback on track. The focus is not on individualswho hold unconventional beliefs; rather, it ison those who are radicalised, or at-risk ofradicalisation, to violent extremism.What are we doing to stop radicalisationto violent extremism?To prevent individuals becoming or remainingradicalised, Australian governments areworking with communities to:• Address the drivers of radicalisation:building the resilience of communities toviolent extremism.• Assist at-risk individuals: supporting thediversion of individuals at risk of radicalisationto violent extremism when possible.• Rehabilitate violent extremists whenpossible.Addressing drivers of radicalisationThe common element in radicalisation isexposure to violent extremist ideology. Ourapproach to challenging this ideology iscovered in Chapter: 1 Challenging ViolentExtremist Ideologies. Other drivers, such associal isolation, a longing for a sense ofpurpose or belonging, long-termunemployment, criminality, or perceivedpolitical grievances, may also contribute.Individuals within a cohesive community – onethat values respect, individual freedoms,democracy and the rule of law – may be moreresilient to violent extremist ideology.Australian governments and communities canwork to reduce the impact of these drivers ofradicalisation by improving social cohesionand participation. This can be done througheducation, helping people find jobs,preventing crime, promoting workplacediversity, and supporting families andcommunity organisations.Tensions within or between communities canalso be a critical driver of radicalisationtowards violent extremism. These will oftendrive feelings of isolation and politicalgrievances that can contribute toradicalisation.10 | AUSTRALIA’S COUNTER-TERRORISM STRATEGY