In 2023, the violent extremist threat has continued to evolve. This year has seen a number of major socio- and geo-political events which have had a polarising impact upon communities right across the EU, such as the cost of living crisis, the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. These events have enabled violent extremists to find new ways to remain relevant and appeal to their audiences, while the introduction and adoption of new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), have given new opportunities for violent extremists to reach, engage, radicalise and recruit vulnerable individuals online.
In the face of these challenges, RAN Practitioners has continued to connect frontline practitioners, from all corners of the EU, from many different fields of work, to come together to share knowledge, experiences and ideas about how best to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE). Through Working Group meetings, cross-cutting events, study visits, webinars and a series of papers, products and publications, RAN and its network of practitioners have been able to generate new insights which have informed the development of new practices and the delivery of new interventions.
As the year comes to a close, we therefore take a look back at some of the emerging P/CVE challenges that have arisen and some of the key events that have taken place. This edition of the Spotlight publication also provides a summary of some of the key activities that have been delivered, hearing from some of those practitioners who have been involved, including on the European Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, the new intake of young professionals into the RAN YOUNG Platform and the RAN Plenary.
As always, we want to hear from you. If you would like to contribute to future editions of Spotlight, or if you have ideas for an article, interview or feature, please get in touch with the ran
radaradvies [dot] nl (RAN Practitioners communications team).
