Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (MEL): Containment/Interdiction

The studies analyzed for this research were curated from a P/CVE systematic mixed method review that contained 50 CI-related studies, of which 39 (78%) contained explicit indicators. In total, 679 indicators were extracted for analysis. These measures depicted CI-oriented activities focused on increasing governmental capacity to prepare, report, and respond to any form of violent extremism (VE). These efforts often occur alongside efforts to increase police and security forces' capacity to detect, deter, and/or prosecute perpetrators of VE. The trends suggest the field is taking a comprehensive approach that not only counters extremist narratives, but also addresses the root causes of violent extremism. The findings from the CI studies reveal a broad spectrum of measures that resonate with varied themes, predominantly focused on measuring changes in attitudes and behaviors. The indicators extracted from the studies can be categorized into several themes, including attitudes, behaviors, relationships and social networks, and capacity building. These themes are discussed in detail in the following sections. Attitudes are a critical component of CI programming, as they can influence an individual's likelihood of engaging in violent extremist activities. The studies analyzed for this research identified several indicators related to attitudes, including measures of tolerance, empathy, and social cohesion. These indicators suggest that CI programs are seeking to promote positive attitudes towards diversity, inclusivity, and social harmony. Behaviors are another key aspect of CI programming, as they can reflect an individual's level of engagement with violent extremist activities. The studies analyzed for this research identified several indicators related to behaviors, including measures of violent extremist activity, radicalization, and deradicalization. These indicators suggest that CI programs are seeking to prevent individuals from engaging in violent extremist activities and to promote deradicalization among those who have already been radicalized. Relationships and social networks are also an important aspect of CI programming, as they can influence an individual's likelihood of engaging in violent extremist activities. The studies analyzed for this research identified several indicators related to relationships and social networks, including measures of social connections, community engagement, and social support. These indicators suggest that CI programs are seeking to promote positive relationships and social networks that can help to prevent violent extremism. Capacity building is a critical component of CI programming, as it can help to increase the capacity of governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to prevent and counter violent extremism. The studies analyzed for this research identified several indicators related to capacity building, including measures of institutional capacity, human capacity, and financial capacity. These indicators suggest that CI programs are seeking to build the capacity of stakeholders to prevent and counter violent extremism. In conclusion, the research highlights the importance of measuring the effectiveness of CI programming in preventing and countering violent extremism. The findings from the CI studies suggest that the field is taking a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of violent extremism and promotes positive attitudes, behaviors, relationships, and social networks. The indicators extracted from the studies provide a framework for understanding the complex issues surrounding CI programming and can inform the development of effective CI programs.