Radicalization

The strategy to prevent violent extremism in the United States outlines how the Federal Government will support and help empower American communities and their local partners in their grassroots efforts to prevent violent extremism. This strategy commits the Federal Government to improving support to communities, including sharing more information about the threat of radicalization; strengthening cooperation with local law enforcement, who work with these communities every day; and helping communities to better understand and protect themselves against violent extremist propaganda, especially online.

Protecting American communities from al-Qa‘ida’s hateful ideology is not the work of government alone. Communities—especially Muslim American communities whose children, families, and neighbors are being targeted for recruitment by al-Qa‘ida—are often best positioned to take the lead because they know their communities best. Indeed, Muslim American communities have categorically condemned terrorism, worked with law enforcement to help prevent terrorist attacks, and forged creative programs to protect their sons and daughters from al-Qa‘ida’s murderous ideology.

We have prioritized three broad areas of action where we believe the Federal Government can provide value to supporting partnerships at the local level and countering violent extremism.

1. Enhancing Federal engagement with and support to local communities that may be
   targeted by violent extremists. Engagement is essential for community-based efforts to
   prevent violent extremism because it allows government and communities to share
   information, concerns, and potential solutions.
2. Building government and law enforcement expertise for preventing violent extremism.
   We must be vigilant in identifying, predicting, and preempting new developments. This
   necessitates ongoing research and analysis, as well as exchanges with individuals,
   communities, and government officials who work on the frontlines to counter the threats
   we all face.
3. Countering violent extremist propaganda while promoting our ideals. We must
   actively and aggressively counter the range of ideologies violent extremists employ
   to radicalize and recruit individuals by challenging justifications for violence and by
   actively promoting the unifying and inclusive vision of our American ideals.

Protecting our Nation’s communities from violent extremist recruitment and radicalization is a top national security priority. It is an effort that requires creativity, diligence, and commitment to our fundamental rights and principles.

Source: www.nctc.gov