Preventing Violent Extremism in the North Caucasus: The Case of the Regional Project "Together!" ("Vmeste!")

Abstract

The problem of radicalism and extremism has manifested itself in many different parts of the world and is usually associated with social tensions, civil unrest and violent conflict. The North Caucasus region is no exception. This article aims to analyze the context in which processes of prevention work take place through the prism of the experience of the Genesis Fund, a North Caucasus NGO that has been engaged in such work since 2005. The article describes the formats and methodologies of countering violent extremism (CVE) activities with youth and shares some of their results in the region. The experiences of many initiatives implemented in the North Caucasus are especially interesting and important given that the region has been home to protracted armed conflict for many years, and that North Caucasus youth are still the focus of attention for recruiters from various extremist and radical groups.