May 17, 2012

The issues of counter-radicalization and countering violent extremism have become contentious topics in policy circles and academia, with the debates frequently overlapping in the two spheres.

A recent 2011 book, edited by Europe-based terrorism expert, Rik Coolsaet, titled, “Jihadi Terrorism and the Radicalisation Challenge: European and American Experiences,” seeks to summarize and advance those debates taking place in Europe and the United States.

In one of the book’s chapters, “Counter-radicalization in the United States,” the author, Lorenzo Vidino, provides an overview, if somewhat skewed, of this particular debate in the United States.

Nonetheless, Vidino, a former analyst with Steven Emerson’s Investigative Project on Terrorism, has cited MPAC’s countering violent extremism paper "Building Bridges to Strengthen America" and noted the organization is “one of the key players in the counter-radicalization debate."

"Building Bridges to Strengthen America" seeks to provide a mainstream Muslim American contribution to the counterterrorism policy discourse. In particular, it outlines a "blueprint" for how Muslim American communities - from a Muslim American perspective - can be an asset to national security. At the same time, this report also provides practical recommendations for law enforcement to uphold civil liberties while maintaining their effectiveness.

Such an acknowledgement coming from Vidino, with has his particular background, stands as a testament to the impact and quality of MPAC’s research work, especially on an issue of such importance to our communities and our nation.