Understanding & Responding to VE
Violent Extremism and radicalization are often associated with dehumanizing possible targets of violence. While there is no single profile of an extremist nor a straightforward path towards radicalization, a common denominator seems to be Antisemitism. That is why our first project seeks to educate the public on an important, yet overseen historical episode of Austrian history: one were a house became the stage for the persecution of jews; the 'Hungerleiderhaus'.
General mission: Today, global terrorism has become an imminent threat as well as a complex challenge. We regard this phenomenon both as a security problematic as well as a social issue. It is not only important to find suitable counter-terrorism measures, but also counter terrorism's main goal, namely spreading terror and causing divisions. We regard terrorism as a form of criminal behavior with a multitude of causes and goals that can neither be simplified nor generalized. A terrorist act is usually preceded by a process of radicalization that is complex and non-linear. Radicalization is closely related to extremism and can often, but not necessarily, lead to violent extremism expressed in terror attacks. These attacks can often have goals that are less related to ideology, but have more to do with achieving political goals. Be it far-right extremism, militant leftism or Islamist radicalism, we seek to study terrorism, (violent) extremism and radicalization in a comprehensive manner. Our goal is to provide tools to prevent extremism and counter terrorism in a way that is rooted in sciences without being beholden to any interest, but the contribution to the overall international security.