Building resilient paths as an alternative to discourses of violence requires a strong and inclusive social fabric. In recent years, some European states have faced more complex challenges after the violent extremist attacks in their territories, mostly conducted by European citizens, and born in the EU Member States. Radicalisation can be understood as a complex, phased process, characterized by the posture of a group or individual who defends a radical ideology and through which it accepts, tolerates and defends violence in order to achieve an ideological or political objective. (1)
Among researchers who are dedicated to the study of radicalisation, there is a shared understanding that none individual becomes radical due to a single influence or even suddenly. The academic models available conceive the radicalisation as a progression that develops over a period of time and involves different factors.
The processes of violence have, in fact, different origins and some researches indicate that the fight against hate speech requires a more comprehensive strategy than banning or block content, requiring a more holistic stance and dealing with the causes of tension and division within societies.
In Portugal, social organizations joined in initiatives to produce narratives alternatives for preventing radicalisation processes, such as the Campaign RESET, which was attended by leaders of the Muslim Community in Portugal, volunteers from community associations, as well as young Muslims.
The testimonies were based on inspiring narratives on integration and values tolerance, community participation and resilience that challenge and overcome radical online advertising. The videos are available on network platforms on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube, in addition to the official Campaign website.
(1) Neumann, Peter R, 2017
