The Next Generation of Government CVE Strategies at Home

Abstract

Using social media and other Internet-based communication platforms, groups such as ISIS have become effective at influencing vulnerable, disaffected young people who are in search of some sense of social connection and greater life purpose and encouraging them to commit acts of violence on behalf of their extremist cause. Traditional counterterrorism-related investigative strategies are insufficient to prevent these acts of targeted violence by lone offenders. Accordingly, we must expand the use of behavioral risk assessment methodologies as part of investigative protocols. We must empower local partnerships among law enforcement; the communities they serve; and others such as mental health professionals, educators, and faith leaders. Countering the terrorist narrative is not enough; we must adapt our efforts and prioritize holistic and collaborative ways to detect, assess, and intervene in situations where individuals may exhibit the behaviors and indicators of violent extremism in order to prevent a violent attack.