1. TERRA Terrorism and Radicalisation
A European Network-based prevention and learning programme

2. What is TERRA?
A two year Europe wide network-based prevention and learning project, funded by the European Commission, DG Home Affairs
TERRA adopts a preventative model towards radicalisation leading to terrorism based on state of the art research, consultations with experts, practitioners, former-extremists and victims of extremism
It proposes a community approach to tackle motivational factors for radicalisation and to halt the progress of individuals being radicalised
TERRA offers suggestions and advice for the rehabilitation and de- radicalisation of those wishing to leave extremism behind

3. Indicators
Offering indicators to facilitate early identification of radicalisation is tricky- no ‘checklist’ of behaviours.
Main emphasis of counter-radicalisation programmes tends to be identity.
Programmes should never target specific ethnic, religious or political groups. Instead focus on broad target groups and specific individuals within them.
Radicalisation cannot be identified from a single behaviour; several indicators and general behavioural change must be observed.
We recommend a community approach, whereby professionals discuss a case together in order to gain a wider picture of the behaviour of potentially radicalising individuals.
Offering indicators for the processes described, to facilitate early identification of radicalisation, can in fact be tricky. All too soon, this might suggest a ‘checklist’ that says ‘radicalising person’ when some boxes are ticked.
The main emphasis in programmes designed to address radicalisation tends to be laid upon identity - doing so specifically and overtly with the intention of preventing radicalisation may result in the targeted adolescents becoming unnecessarily labelled as ‘radicals’.
Essential any attempts to address radicalisation are aimed at the broad target groups, singling out only individuals who show cause for concern, and never targeting specific ethnic or political groups.
Element of change is crucial in the interpretation of observed indicators. A certain indicator might be part of someone’s normal conduct; then it is insignificant as indicator of radicalisation.
Possible radicalisation cannot be identified from a single indicator. It can only be identified if several indicators are present.
The observation of overall behavioural patterns in the individual in question is vital
Therefore, we recommend a community approach, which means that professionals can discuss a case together, from their different perspectives, in order to get more of an overview.

4. What is a Community Approach?
Young people, often on a quest for identity, can be influenced by those closest to them.
These individuals are also in the best position to observe their behaviour and any changes.
A community approach would involve a variety of stakeholders, whose profession puts them in a position to influence and protect young people.
This approach also identifies specific functions each sector can perform and feel comfortable with.
Since radicalisation is often linked to a quest for identity and a sense of belonging, young people can be influenced by those closest to them, this includes families, peers and front-liners
Those closest to them are also in the best position to observe their behaviour and identify possible changes
Hence a community approach seeks to involve a wide variety of stakeholders that are in a position to influence young people and get them to work together whilst protecting the security of the individual
This approach also seeks to identify specific tasks each sector can perform and ensure stakeholders are not only working in unison but doing what they are comfortable with

5. Mapping the Community Approach
Vulnerable person
Family, peers, school environment (daily contact)
Community, including religious leaders , police, youth workers, sports clubs (frequent contact)
Policy makers, journalists (influence upon social context)

6. The Toolkit
TERRA I was a comprehensive toolkit based on research findings.
Offered advice on spotting signs of radicalisation and developing relevant policy.
Aimed at local and national government and ‘front-liners’.
Front-liners include: teachers, youth workers, religious leaders, prison/probation/parole officers and community police officers.
TERRA 1 produced a comprehensive toolkit that contained the findings of the research
The toolkit offered advice on how to spot sign of radicalisation and how to devise policy in this area
It was aimed at local and national government and front liners coming into contact with vulnerable individuals at risk of radicalisation
Front-liners includes: teachers, youth workers, religious leaders, prison/probation/parole officers, community police officers

7. Aims of the Toolkit
Make target groups aware of the risk of radicalisation of people in their sphere of influence.
Raise awareness of radicalisation causes and signs, and which other professionals can be involved in a community approach.
Empower front-liners to act on their concerns.
Provide research-based policy advice to support governments’ counter- radicalisation programmes.
Make target groups more aware of the possibility that someone within their sphere of influence is at risk of being radicalised
Raise awareness of the causes and signs of radicalisation, as well as other professional groups which could be involved in influencing this process in a positive way
Empower front-liners to take action by making contact with other professional groups as well as approaching the person they feel may be vulnerable
Provide research-based policy advice for national and local governments on best address radicalisation and support de-radicalisation programs

8. Why You?
Front-liners’ professions but them in the best position to identify radicalisation and engage with vulnerable individuals.
TERRA seeks to provide front-liners with the training, materials and confidence they need.
Also seeks to identify individuals who may be able to train other front- liners for this important work.
TERRA promotes a cooperative, community approach, where front-liners are in contact and work with each other in tackling radicalisation.
Front-liners are in the best position to identify early signs of radicalisation and engage with vulnerable people that may be drifting towards extremism
TERRA seeks to provide front-liners with the necessary training and materials they need in order to have the confidence to engage with this agenda
It also seeks to identify individuals that are able to train other front-liners in order to multiply the number of people engaged in this important work
TERRA believes in developing a co- operative approach so that front-liners are in touch with each other and work together in tackling radicalisation, training allows for this to develop

9. Further details
For more information, including a full literature review and bibliography, please visit the TERRA website:
For more information about the work of Quilliam, including access to reports, articles and press releases, please visit: