Preventing Violent Extremism and Crime in the Nordic Countries: Similarities, Synergies and Ambiguities

The issue of violent extremism has risen high on the global political agenda, and there is an increased need to understand its prevention. The long tradition of crime prevention (CP) research and policies is one area that could contribute to the understanding of prevention of violent extremism (PVE). This SIPRI Insights describes how and to what extent violent extremism and different forms of crime converge in Nordic PVE and CP strategies and action plans.

Despite some significant differences regarding PVE and CP in the Nordic countries, analysis of the Nordic policy documents and some of the existing research demonstrates that the relationship between violent extremism and different forms of crime may actually be inextricable and more profoundly impacting than traditionally described. Considering the dynamic relation between violent extremism and criminality in theory and in practice, as well as understanding different approaches to it, could help in tackling new forms of threats or vulnerabilities and in designing more coherent policies and prevention measures.