Countering/Preventing Violent Extremism in Nigeria, Somalia, and Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

After a two-decade-long War on Terror (WoT), the world still faces the threat of violent extremism and terrorism. The persistent presence and spread of violent extremism have attracted academic and policy debate on countering the threat. The deep roots of violent extremism are embedded in the state fragility, where extremist elements have exploited the political, economic, socio-cultural and security fault lines in their own favor. The efficacy of kinetic means has undoubtedly resulted in averting the threat; however, there is a need to have a long-term policy to counter and prevent violent extremism by addressing its root causes. With regards, this paper analyses the cases of Nigeria, Somalia, and Pakistan. Despite being situated in two different regions, the selected countries have been affected by the threat of violent extremism, mainly associated with their state fragility. The paper argues that to counter and prevent the threat of extremism, it is necessary to understand its linkages with ‘state fragility’. It further discusses that the linkage can enable policies to counter and prevent violent extremism effectively and sustainably.