Hold Your Friends Close: Countering Radicalization in Britain and America

Countries use soft methods such as debate training, sports competitions, citizenship education, and information campaigns to counter homegrown extremism. Sarah Logan's book "Hold Your Friends Close" explores counter-radicalization policy and homegrown extremism through a theoretical and historical lens, arguing that it is informed by ideals of citizenship and allegiance to the state. Divergences in approach arise from different ideas about the nature of citizenship and national belonging.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

When we think of counterterrorism, we often conjure images of coercive measures such as expanded policing powers, extraordinary rendition, increased jail sentences, and no-fly lists. However, a surprising number of countries are employing softer approaches to tackle the growing problem of homegrown extremism. These methods range from debate training and sports competitions to citizenship education and information campaigns. Given the violent intentions of homegrown extremists, why do states opt for this more compassionate approach?

In her book "Hold Your Friends Close," Sarah Logan offers the first comprehensive exploration of counter-radicalization policy and homegrown extremism through a theoretical and historical lens. Logan argues that counter-radicalization differs from traditional counterterrorism in that it is informed by ideals of citizenship and allegiance to the state as a means to combat the violence of homegrown extremism. Unlike radicals who are loyal to non-state-based political or religious communities, the primary objective of counter-radicalization efforts is to win them back to their home state.

While there are some basic similarities in approach across countries, there are also significant divergences. Logan attributes these differences to differing ideas about the nature of citizenship and national belonging. To illustrate this point, she compares the approaches of the UK and US, highlighting how they differ in important ways despite a shared focus on solidifying the allegiance of the target subject to their home state.

"Hold Your Friends Close" provides a detailed policy history of counter-radicalization in the US and the UK, as well as a comprehensive overview of counter-radicalization policies globally. It is an essential read for scholars and policymakers who work on terrorism and its various manifestations. By examining the softer side of counterterrorism, Logan sheds light on the complexities of addressing the root causes of extremism and offers valuable insights into the strategies employed by countries to prevent the spread of radicalization.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 243 x 165 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190920326