Research Study Publication

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION „Strengthening Resilience of the Youth against Radicalization in the Western Balkans“ Project

PARTNERS

DONORS

! Authors

Albania Erida Skendaj, Miriam Angoni, Veronika Kusyová Albanian Helsinki Committee

Bosnia and Herzegovina Jasmin Hasić, Melisa H. Mehmedović, Mahir Sijamija Humanity in Action and Herzegovina

Kosovo Migjen Krasniqi InnovActive Center for Social Improvement

North Macedonia Samet Shabani, Sara Osmani, Angela Nikoloska, Horizon Civitas - Association for Civic Activism and Encouraging Social Responsibility

Edits and Introduction Ján Cingel GLOBSEC, Slovak Republic

With the kind support of

Disclaimer This publication is a result of the research conducted within the project en- titled “Strengthening Resilience of the Youth against Radicalization in the Western Balkans” and views presented here are solely those of the authors of this publication and do not represent views of the donors of this project.

© Copyright: GLOBSEC, Bratislava, Slovak Republic, January 2020. CONTENT

INTRODUCTION 7 RESEARCH OUTCOMES 11 COUNTRY REPORT: ALBANIA 11 COUNTRY REPORT: 29 COUNTRY REPORT: KOSOVO 51 COUNTRY REPORT: NORTH MACEDONIA 64 PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION - - (further just HiA BIH) conducted re conducted BIH) HiA just (further 29 young people (7 girls and 2 boys). young people (4 girls and 4 boys); involved were participants 10 , in school high UWC the at 19.11.2018 (7 girls and 3 boys); group in the focus 24.11.2018 at the Cultural Centre in . The discussion gathered 9 11.11.2018 in the Humanity in Action office in . Seven young people people young Seven Sarajevo. in office Action in Humanity the in 11.11.2018 and 3 girls); (4 boys participated 8 participated Sarajevo), (Istocno Lukavica in office youth the at 11.11.2018 4.11.2018 at the University of Bihac in Bihac, 8 young people, were involved involved were people, young 8 Bihac, in Bihac of University the at 4.11.2018 (5 girls and 3 boys); (5 involved were people young Ten , in office youth the at 10.11.2018 participated); and 5 girls boys 3.11.2018 at the youth office in . Altogether 10 young people en people young 10 Altogether Vakuf. Donji in office youth the at 3.11.2018 and 5 girls); (5 boys gaged in the dialogue

• • • • • • • COUNTRY REPORT: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AND BOSNIA REPORT: COUNTRY FOCUS GROUPS INTRODUCTION communities in communities Bosnia and The Herzegovina. was research conducted via stakeholders with focus interviews structured via and 24 – 16 age people young of groups conducted were groups focus The extremism. violent and radicalization with dealing (BiH): and Herzegovina Bosnia around places in following Humanity in Action Bosnia and Herzegovina search in of perception the of problem by radicalization young people in various ------The Law “regulates issues related to related issues The Law “regulates 8 30 9 Building Building of human, technical and administrative capacities of youth asso ciations”. Strengthening youth participation and inclusion and their informing at all informing and their and inclusion participation youth Strengthening based in decision-making on the levels the Federation partici established mechanisms; pation activ in participation voluntary their and volunteering youth Strengthening issues; youth to related ities in ethics and solidarity non-discrimination, of principles of Implementation issues; youth to related activities all “Drafting and implementation of and “Drafting implementation youth policies at all levels government the Federation) (hereinafter: and Herzegovina of Bosnia in the Federation based on multiple sector approach and consideration of youth needs, re interests; and quests Establishing criteria in compliance with policies; European principles youth of in the activ implementation the to related institutions public of ities in to relation and and measures recommendations defining Establishing activities; youth and work youth

5. 6. 7. 2. 3. 4. 1. (p. 43). Sarajevo: (p. 43). Sarajevo: Bosne i Hercegovine o mladima Federacije Zakon č kroz , R. (2011). Vodi ć - Bešić, J., & Pobri from 36/10. Retrieved of FBiH, nr. Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Law of the Federation - Youth YOUTH POLICIES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Institut za razvoj mladih KULT. za razvoj Institut http://mladi.org/v2/dokumenti/zakoni-o-mladima/youth%20law%20fbih%2036-10.pdf 8 9 In , the Law on Youth Organization, adopted in 2004, Organization, defines “gen Srpska, the Law In on Republika Youth of in and and association the programs field of eral interest establishment youth, youth organizations, activities, assets and financing, rights and obligations, profes FBiH, matters regarding the youth are managed in accordance with the Youth Law Youth the with in accordance managed are youth the regarding matters FBiH, of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was published in the Official Gazette of FBiH, nr. 36/10 on 16 June 2010. Competencies in designing and implementing youth policies in BiH are devolved to devolved are BiH in policies youth implementing and designing in Competencies of level the At (RS). Srpska Republika and (FBiH) BiH of Federation level: entity the defines youth rights and obligations, youth work and youth activities, youth support support youth activities, youth and work youth obligations, and rights youth defines follows: as defined been have goals its while councils, and associations youth and youth life, position and activities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina” and Herzegovina” and of Bosnia in Federation the activities and position life, youth

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION - - - - 31 and Omladinski savjet of Republika Srpska. Srpska. Republika of savjet Omladinski and 11 10 tive entities, while also developing active international partnerships. tus of and the engage with youth in the dialogue authorities in their respec partnerships. international active developing also while entities, tive Both organizations implement various activities aimed at improving the sta the improving at aimed activities various implement organizations Both representation and promotion of the rights of the youth. These are the youth youth the are There These are two youth. umbrella organizations the at of the entity rights levels the dedicated of to the promotion and representation councils Vijeće mladih of FBiH affirmation of youth activities affirmation of youth representation of the interests and rights of the youth promotion of the participation of young people in the decision-making process”. animating the youth

• • • • • - The Institute for Youth Development KULT is another organization intent on making the voices of the youth of the youth on making the voices intent is another organization KULT Development Youth for - The Institute - Law on Youth Organization. Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, nr. 98/04 and 119/08. Retrieved from from 98/04 and 119/08. Retrieved nr. Srpska, of Republika Official Gazette Organization. - Law on Youth 11 10 “Encouraging “Encouraging systematic improvement and development of youth organization and youth: the of participation active the with policy youth sional work and training, youth manifestations, international youth cooperation, in the objectives as its stating policy”, youth for of bodies development and formation following: BiH“Youth Watch Youth Policy. Institute for Youth Development KULT. Retrieved from https://mladi.org/v2/en/ from Retrieved KULT. Development Youth for Institute Policy. Youth Watch BiH“Youth projects/1/youth-watch-youth-policy/157-youth-watch-youth-policy heard. It is currently in the process of implementing its Youth Watch Youth Policy, whose goal is to bring about goal is to whose Policy, Youth Watch Youth its of implementing in the process It is currently heard. policies youth to with regards in the decision-making process which will be involved civil society, an active Youth and Evaluating Monitoring for is also a part of the Initiative KULT as in their execution. as well and laws, enable to of the Initiative, the capacities and strengthen „build to is objective (IMEYP). The initiative’s Policies in partners powerful more become to YA/YC, between and experience of knowledge exchange cooperation, will work policies. The Initiative youth and monitoring enforcing with the authorities in creating, dialogue on sector, and the NGO the government between cooperation mechanisms for sustainable on establishing in policies at all authority levels youth and advocating analysis evaluation, of monitoring, systems establishing http://www.omladinskisavjet.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Zakon-o-omladinskom-organizovanju-Repub like-Srpske-20.10.2004.pdf ------

32 SUMMARY OF THE MAIN FINDINGS: MAIN THE OF SUMMARY HERZEGOVINA AND BOSNIA ability of the youth to dodge radicalization through formal and informal education, as as education, and media experts include informal increasing interviewed the literacy and and strengthening formal through radicalization dodge to youth the of ability Most of the interviewed students have never spoken about the topic of radicalization radicalization of topic the about spoken never have it students incorporate interviewed to the of need Most the to points directly This teachers. or family friends, their with Other issue. existing the about awareness raise to order in discourse public the respondents into young both by proposed radicalization countering at aimed suggestions religious affiliation. Among the groups, there seemed to be a consensus that younger younger that consensus a be to seemed there groups, the Among affiliation. religious while (adults), older to comparison in radicalization to susceptible more are people interloc some Only factor. significant a considered generally not generally is gender men ideas, of radical influence the under fall they once that, suggested have utors women. than radical more be to tend even familiar with the concept of multiculturalism. con the of understanding the between difference no be to seems there Interestingly, cept of radicalization or ethnicity in own their mono-ethnic with and correlated multi-ethnic strongly are hand at communities. phenomenon the of Theirtions percep theoretical reference points. The majority has labeled political radicalization as the the as radicalization political labeled has majority The points. reference to theoretical point or define to unable was interviewees the of few only while widespread, most that believe some Although radicalization. of type specific other any of existence the not were some of radicalization, rise the to conducive is not society a multicultural While While some respondents associate ‘radicalization’ to ‘radical social or changes’ at to them, to tempts are a unable achieve of define number great the interlocutors the term and showed a genuine lack Others use or of descrip understanding thereof. formal any offer cannot but understandings, their illustrate to examples and tors search studies on the case of BiH that bridges the findings of the previous studies studies of the previous the findings of on bridges BiH that the case studies search in on focused on BiH, adults and radicalization which almost extreme exclusively almost which policies, youth and youth Bosnian the on studies various and groups, the disregarded phenomenon completely of and radicalization its relation to the generations. younger search carried out in 7 municipalities and cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Approx Herzegovina. and Bosnia in cities and municipalities 7 in out carried search imately sixty young people and ten were effects, engaged and stakeholders in causes its conversations country, the in radicalization of existence potential the about as well as the means to and/or prevent counter it. This is one of the pioneering re This report documents the findings of the four-month-long data collection and re

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------33

UNDERSTANDING THE TERM THE UNDERSTANDING communities in general or specifically among youth. There is a lack of education on on education of lack a is There youth. among specifically or general in communities or sensitivity content additional of any who lack and anyone phenomenon, of the with intricacies the experience first-hand no or little very is there Additionally, training. with are cultural or sports oriented, and only few of those are civic minded and oper and minded civic are those of few only and oriented, sports or cultural are with communities. local their beyond ating a shows prevalent sessions in group all focus obtained local of the results The analysis within materializes it how and is, ‘radicalization’ what on understanding of lack While the majority of interlocutors were high school students, predominantly in their their in predominantly students, school high were interlocutors of majority the While involved some senior or year, and The were are freshmen students. of sophomore participants members not were and universities, or high-schools public in enrolled local respective their within active are Some or movement. party any political with worked they NGOs Most for information. as serve the which main resource NGOs, communities of Mostar and Bugojno. Bugojno. and Mostar of communities Each focus group consisted of approximately eight participants of grounds, diverse matching all back basic preset focus group conditions (gender, ethnic diversi ty, religion, age, level of education). Each session lasted between 90-120 minutes. lected cities based on the ethnic composition of its inhabitants. The first two focus focus two first The of inhabitants. its composition on ethnic the based cities lected of (Cities of area Sarajevo Sarajevo took in place groups metropolitan the greater and East Sarajevo), followed by three predominantly ‘monolithic’ ethnic communi (divided) multiethnic by two complemented Vakuf, Donji and Bijeljina, of Bihac, ties The research team conducted seven focus groups in different cities across Bosnia Bosnia across cities in different groups focus seven conducted team The research and Herzegovina, between October 2018 and end of January 2019. The team se ers and other government officials received no specific training, they rely on outdat on rely they training, specific no received officials government other and ers and thus ed mechanisms, they offer cannot help and pedagogy or referral advice risk. at individuals vulnerable of needs specific the to tailored tion system) as the weakest link in the chain, and the lack of institutional capacity capacity in link and the of the lack chain, institutional as the weakest system) tion not are issues violence extreme and Radicalization problems. growing the tackle to many of one as rather but measures, specific with and systematically treated being teach workers, social the result, a As youth. the affecting phenomena social deviant well as through the organization of media campaigns. campaigns. media of organization the through as well Almost all interlocutors have identified governmental sector (including the educa ‘RADICALIZATION’ AMONG YOUTH IN‘RADICALIZATION’ BIH ------Our interlocutors interlocutors Our 13 while the dissemination of extremist of extremist the while dissemination 12 34 , V. (2018). Extremism Research Forum: Understanding Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans Balkans in the Western Extremism Violent Understanding Forum: Research (2018). Extremism ć, V. - Azinovi - Richardson, C., Cameron, P., & Berlouis, K. (2017). Radicalisation of Young Adults in the Balkan States: States: in the Balkan Adults of Young K. (2017). Radicalisation & Berlouis, P., C., Cameron, - Richardson, narratives narratives have shifted gradually into less visible online spaces. 13 12 able to radicalization in an age of accessible social media. Similar worldviews are worldviews Similar media. in social an age of to able accessible radicalization habitually exchanged and online, reinforced has been involved in ideologies. any initiatives extreme and that values could be non-traditional described as promote to ‘radical’, aim or that move ments vulner particularly are people young that suggests matter the on research Previous Counter-Measures, Healthcare Provision, and Community Involvement. Journal For Deradicalization, 11(2363- Deradicalization, Journal For and Community Involvement. Provision, Healthcare Counter-Measures, 9849). [Ebook]. British Council. ethnically ethnically monolithic communities, just like their young counterparts in the multi own their and manner, same in the almost phenomenon this perceive ones, ethnic work overload, and the perceived lack of training tailored accommodate the needs of of needs the accommodate tailored training of lack perceived the and overload, work radicalism. of form some to exposed been had who those between difference no almost be to seems there suggest research our of results The those in living predominantly Namely, communities. and multiethnic mono-ethnic their teachers and local institutions as inadequate in providing necessary education, all young people in protect participants BiH. also quately Most group focus perceive education, necessary providing in inadequate as institutions form local some and in teachers their involved become friends close their or they case in advice or protection of suspicious behavior. Local Centers for Social Work or other locally-embedded due as to a the lack are not of resource, considered the interest, staff institutions group’ or ‘movement’, but never witnessed anything suspicious personally. However, However, reportedpersonally. they suspicious know someoneanything whowitnessed theynever strongly but believe is‘movement’, aor member group’ of a ‘radicalized level with matched is this and them, to available nets safety no are there admit they of corresponding frustration and distrust that the current social system can ade derstand the appeal of these online contents, and feel they are sufficiently aware of of aware sufficiently are they feel and contents, online these of appeal the derstand manipulations. most resist to ready are thus and involvements, potential of risks the individuals of of eruption and/or of fear no escalations general handful have indicated a The interlocutors Only of. aware are they groups radicalized by caused violence in their local surrounding that might promote some suspicious activities, generally generally activities, suspicious some promote might that surrounding local their in been but of been they have members never these groups, as ‘radical’, considered the about unclear are They them. to contact out or by sought attempted someone un not do they claim most Additionally, used. language and strategies’ ‘recruitment also revealed that most information they receive on the topic come from TV or so groups media social the of aware are They on. active are they platforms media cial

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------35 TRENDS OF RADICALIZATION AMONG YOUTH YOUTH AMONG RADICALIZATION OF TRENDS challenges challenges that Bosnian and other Western Balkans countries etc.), are facing drain, (i.e. brain sky- growing growth, economic of level low rates, unemployment high political manipulations often occupy those gaps and lead to isolation of people. Ac home to at least two prominent types of radicalization. One is political, and the other other the and political, is One radicalization. of types prominent two least at to home and one Both Nowadays, feed can complement one is another. ethno-nationalist. religious of elements the with radicalization political of a combination observe also to the responses social and institutional of adequate In absence the radicalization. Most of our expert interlocutors agree on the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina is on agree the and that fact Bosnia Herzegovina Most of interlocutors our expert is also a huge gap of perception reported by our interlocutors between what is they between siblings also by a our older reported huge interlocutors gap of and perception parents their what to comparison in phenomenon this about think in former living of war, perceptions their with associated in part, was, This believe. and Bosnia state weak presently vs. system regulated and state (strong Yugoslavia Herzegovina). and thus their isolation is perceived as permanent and impermeable for structural structural for impermeable and permanent as perceived is isolation their thus and change. on an that assumption rad operate people that the noted some team young Finally, There generated. locally or never to almost is BiH, and imported rarely icalization can benefit from (like community centers, access to various institutions of culture; of culture; institutions to various access centers, community (like from benefit can institutions religious and schools primary offer only can communities rural whereas the highlighted respondents some Moreover, socialization). communal of places as communities, rural remote for within youth is money that fact very little allocated and rural areas are equally prone to radicalization, whereas the interlocutors living living interlocutors the whereas radicalization, to prone equally are areas rural and opportu fewer have citizens fellow their that hold generally communities smaller in vulnera more them makes which development, professional and personal for nities ed different of availability about comparisons and reflections many were There ble. communities urban in youth that networks institutional and opportunities ucational occurrence of radicalization, but were not able to support their claims with addition with claims their support to able not were but radicalization, of occurrence examples. concrete or provide al arguments, hold that from cities larger generally people from Some both respondents urban ethnicity, just like that of their fellow citizens, does not play any significant role in role does not that play any citizens, of just like significant their fellow ethnicity, the of some Moreover, the radicalization. about attitudes or prevents society perceptions of shaping the multicultural a in life that beliefs strong expressed interlocutors ------36 ‘radicalized’ ideologies present in their immediate surrounding. surrounding. immediate their in present ideologies ‘radicalized’ Experts working in security sector warn about the lack toavailable of PVE programs nomena are left unpunished, which negatively reflects on the and youth new gener reflects unpunished, left which negatively nomena are on about the these new Desensitized norms as accept granted. receive who ations gradually they information of evaluation critical for of unequipped any and of dangers victims raising potential next the become to prone are people young the basis, daily of the general public to actively condemn and fight radical tendencies present in the the in present tendencies radical fight and condemn actively to public general the of society. In their words, some forms of radicalization have to even be expected become common traditionally would who those for problematic’ ‘less thus and place, take counter-actions. Tolerance of such instable movements turns into their justi fication, and such phe dangerous a a verily consequently Therefore, tacit approval. One of the stakeholders, who regularly works with young people in custody or jail, in custody people young with works who regularly One of the stakeholders, pointed out that the youth tend with to terrorism, religious identify radicalization at hand. the phenomenon of understanding way is a reductionist which, of course inability and sensitivity social of lack the about warn sector NGO from Respondents mainly through their through mainly aberrant opinions, to readiness support or cause violence, ex In to the of the other. absence support, tolerance in-group and excessive clusivity ideas, religious political around primarily young are their people radicalized view, ideologies. their of the manifesting forms affects then which affiliation, and ethnic Our interlocutors from criminal justice sector point to the fact that state institutions institutions state that fact the to point sector justice criminal from interlocutors Our and LEAs have at no of structure on levels lower clear strategy government how among of behavior patterns inconsistent several are There issues. these to tackle manifested as be radicalized, labeled could which with, worked they people young that separates these ‘radical’ trends has long been invisible. The football fan groups, groups, fan football The invisible. been long has trends ‘radical’ these separates that as of prime this, examples show clear elements radicalization: of eth multilayered no-nationalistic negatively charged attitudes mixed with extreme religious intoler groups. other towards ance Interviewed teachers and religious workers believe that believe all types workers of and teachers religious radicalization Interviewed in BiH since are linked are political to structures interconnected, predominantly the of embedded in national affiliations individuals their ethnic and groups, their The line affiliation. religious own to their relates often ethno-nationality respective cording to our sources, isolation, as such, does not necessarily lead to radicalization, radicalization, to lead necessarily not does such, as isolation, sources, our to cording shape to agents their and ideologies political deviant for opportunities up opens but be in BiH cannot Radicalization individuals. of vulnerable and actions the thoughts other. the permeates radicalization of type one as isolation, in explored

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------

37 DIFFERENT SOCIAL GROUPS GROUPS SOCIAL DIFFERENT COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN ANALYSIS COMPARATIVE two geographically amalgamated urban units, but administratively completely divid completely administratively but units, urban radicalism, amalgamated of geographically two understanding conceptual of degree higher a show generally cities, various ed to exposed actively been had and students university are them of majority as munities of Mostar and Bugojno. Furthermore, the team organized three additional additional three organized team the Furthermore, Bugojno. and Mostar of munities ethnic Serb or Bosniak predominantly with cities monoethnic three in groups focus Bijeljina. in and Vakuf, Donji Bihac, in communities, in lives who people young as Sarajevo, East & Sarajevo in interlocutors group Focus out in the metropolitan live Serbs area ethnic cities and of Sarajevo ethnic of and communities entities. East ethnic Sarajevo, political which monolithic are dominantly different pre in located cities divided administratively within side by side the team Moreover, organized focus groups in two multiethnic (divided) local com The research team conducted seven focus group sessions in total. Two were carried carried were Two total. in sessions group focus seven conducted team research The homosexuality and inter-religious marriages as symptoms of radicalization, which, which, radicalization, of symptoms as marriages inter-religious and homosexuality belief religious their from stemming beliefs embedded to back traced be can again, include and Further examples fan ethnicity. groups of football teams, which are of radical. as considered ten sized the ideological base of the existing radicalization. Respondents from Saraje shared also was which widespread, as the most radicalization political vo perceive pro also have Vakuf Donji from Interlocutors Bijeljina. from interviewees the among vided of of examples attitudes intolerant their friends and with family to regards propriate action in ‘conserving’ the ideals of serbianism and Republika Srpska. of serbianism and Republika the ideals action in ‘conserving’ propriate radicalization. on views divergent quite offered sessions group focus the in youth The did and of not Bugojno Mostar any from to point the the While students existence specific type of radicalization, those from Sarajevo and East Sarajevo have empha in Republika Srpska entity where public displays of hate speech and appearances of of appearances and speech hate of displays public where entity Srpska Republika in and uniformed gatherings public like often, more occur groups militarized radical celebration the during supporters political their and movement ‘Chetnik’ of parades of important dates the from past wars, aimed at mobilizing young ap people to take the youth, and growing radicalization trends in relations among ethnic groups, which which groups, ethnic among recent relations on in trends focusing fora radicalization online growing in and youth, the especially networks, social on discourses pronounced in more and evident is present increasingly are trends These Balkans. the in conflicts - - - - - Fur 16 14 and low socio-eco 15 38 - Richardson, C., Cameron, P., & Berlouis, K. (2017). Radicalisation of Young Adults in the Balkan States: States: in the Balkan Adults of Young K. (2017). Radicalisation & Berlouis, P., C., Cameron, - Richardson, , M. (2017). Process of Reconciliation in the Western Balkans and Balkans in the Western of Reconciliation čić, M. (2017). Process ć, A., & Kova ć, M., Gvozdanovi - Adamovi Contingent. ’Bosnian Fighters The Foreign War: of the Syrian & Jusić, M. (2015). The Lure ć, V., - Azinovi nomic status of the local population as predisposing factors for radicalization. for factors predisposing as population local the of status nomic 16 with processes with of processes mass founded mobilization upon attitudes’, strong ‘ideological 14 15 nepotism and favoritism of the selected groups within society. groups the selected of nepotism and favoritism For majority of interviewed young and that into changes are can (violent) often negative with ciated escalate certain people in East Sarajevo, radicalization The extremism. majority of them it connects with the and foundation is ideological asso the importance decaying post-conflict communities and culture and communities post-conflict decaying importance the conditions unfavorable include identified interlocutors factors additional thermore, in the and support for labor the the market population continuous general youth, corruption, the with along inequality, social parties, political ethno-nationalistic for During the sessions, respondents in both focus groups showed high-level aware and Herzegovina, of in life Bosnia quality the low underpinning of ness the factors rates. unemployment high and system education scant the to refers primarily which that also highlighted studies of previous the findings mirror clearly remarks Their people’s vulnerability is additionally heightened by and lack of heightened knowledge general is additionally vulnerability people’s which also studies, the match Their views global previous of patterns behavior. negative unstable by influenced easily and vulnerable extremely as people young found and the world. in Europe influence political as global as well trends, immediate surrounding, much more than in other researched communities. communities. researched other in than more much surrounding, immediate in in BiH individuals both and that agree groups exists, radicalization Interviewed Young one. rely to net safety that and the are younger more generations prone of to experience their get regardless of involved, lack their of result a as mainly gender, calism. They were also aware of some international organizations headquartered in in headquartered organizations international some of aware also were They calism. and campaigns raising awareness of types various organize and fund that Sarajevo and attitudes social Their workshops). on similar and PVE trainings (like initiatives in their actors of external presence by shaped the strong somewhat are identities public initiatives aimed to counter all movements identified as radical or extremist. extremist. or radical as identified movements all counter to aimed initiatives public and settings local in their relations social of ‘politicized’ aware fully all are Almost and inner- both influence altogether which BiH, in relations power disproportionate intergroup their views and attitudes towards all social phenomena, including radi Atlantic Initiative, Sarajevo. Atlantic Initiative, 11 (2363- Deradicalization, Journal For and Community Involvement. Provision, Healthcare Counter-Measures, 9849). Turkey: A Qualitative Study. /Zagreb: Institute for Social Research in Zagreb (ISRZ). in Zagreb Social Research for Institute Banja Luka/Zagreb: Study. A Qualitative Turkey:

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------39 stressing there is not much that can be done can to prevent someone from ‘going ‘going from someone is not can that be much there can done to prevent stressing critical of fostering system, care social existing the strengthening from apart rogue’ systems. education non-formal in as well as formal in thinking tions, it was met with dilemmas, and almost all interlocutors in both cities showed showed cities both in interlocutors all almost and dilemmas, with met was it tions, the inability to define it in relation to other concepts to applied discussed. As concept’, as a such, ‘universal as conceptually radical a ization term was understood fo both in Participants sports. and music even society, mechanisms, the in phenomena all almost prevention about ideas their sharing in reluctant very were groups cus school students, were not entirely familiar with the term radicalization. Their initial initial Their radicalization. term the with familiar entirely not were students, school not clear were they although and ‘initiatives’, measures’ ‘radical were associations appear can radicalization whether or is, scope their what and are those what about conversa the in up brought was cohesion social of concept the When forms. other in need to provide more educational programs. They also recognized various non-gov various recognized also They programs. educational more provide to need as well as trainings and so workshops, youth exchanges, ernmental organizations, radicalization. combating in allies important as media, responsible cially Participants in the focus groups held in Mostar and Bugojno, all of whom are high- When When it young in and people believe East comes to Sarajevo Sarajevo prevention, defense’ of ‘line primary the are members family extended and the parents about peers, that conversation the from Apart radicalization. from youth the protect can and participants interviewed the socialization, of circles primary with challenges current in the focus groups held in Sarajevo and East Sarajevo think that the institutions charismatic leaders play an important role in this respect. They believe that young young that believe They respect. in this role an important play leaders charismatic to promises who person any to follow prone are Herzegovina and in Bosnia people to fail if they and to, even belong they group of the entire to the welfare contribute promises. their deliver media, social platforms, teachers, and sometimes peer pressure. Most of them felt felt them of Most pressure. peer sometimes and teachers, platforms, social media, the quantity of information does not people. necessarily young the to influence available propensity for perspectives ‘radical of differing lack the rather, but ization’, that suggested of interlocutors a number young large to factors, In these addition political ideas that can reach certain extremes. In many instances, these can involve involve can these instances, many In extremes. certain reach can that ideas political the changing like goals, desired the reach to means possible all of employment the existing social by orshaped politicalheavily is and norms. Moreover,environment, the thison groupdepends of respondentsradicalization to believedvulnerability that and usually appealing to individuals who of to do appealing individuals and to not usually expectations conform social the group in Similarly, their grasped ‘radicalization’ social Sarajevo environment. of advocacy the to refers mainly which basis, an ideological with as a phenomenon - - - 40 mentioned the terrorist attack on attack this although the (2010), the station mentioned terrorist police Bugojno BiH. in the entire known incident is well our interviewees cited during the focus group session included rebellion of the youth youth the of rebellion included session group focus the during cited interviewees our aimed ideas against divisions other and segregation at and schools in , unions, strikes for quality labor social pro by conditions working better and explicitly system people young tection the of none Interestingly, living. community their improving at receive, which range between internet and TV and conversations with their peers, with peers, their and TV internet and conversations between range which receive, young people included in this focus that group believed radical ideas are a ‘slow spreading’ virus that can be tackled because adequately and it timely, only appeals those or because interesting’, and it ‘unusual find that of people groups to specific ideas’ of ‘radical Examples society’. of the rest of the out stand to ‘want individuals every form of radicalization is harmful, and thatthe though it even that deepens agreed all the already existing Additionally, difin BiH. groups ethnic among ferences discussed been not has it years, of couple past the in prominence they more gained information topic of sources the on Based parents. or teachers among systematically their own city, as well as the dominant media discourse they constantly observe. observe. constantly they discourse media dominant the as well as city, own their In Bugojno, on the other hand, young people described radicalization as a phenom in enon molded divisions that only the in resides politically society, the prevailing that believe They attitudes. and opinions interests, distinct has group each wherein ‘aggression vs. civil war’ in BiH, negative political influences of Serbia or Croatia and and Croatia or Serbia of influences political negative BiH, in war’ civil By vs. landscape. ‘aggression political of radicalization as affairs political BiH’s in to states other attention some draw to wanted they ‘business’ of form a as radicalization characterizing and system political BiH the in flows social existing the about awareness own their politicians have skillfully used in the past 20 years. Overall, youth in Mostar does not not does Mostar in youth Overall, years. 20 past the in used those skillfully with have only politicians but people, ordinary with initiatives and movements radical associate who have a Some in particular interest certain political narratives’. ‘propagating such have movements, as political the identified interlocutors establishing ‘Third to the of themes have regressed Others in Entity’ BiH, as and separatist’. ‘radical gain foothold locally. Youth perceptions in Mostar were, at some instances, drawn at in were, some instances, Mostar perceptions Youth locally. gain foothold to ethnic relations and divided to ‘social spaces’ relations in in the especially city. They salience, of their are also narratives fully aware ‘overemphasizing’ daily of the local manipulation social of means other and interests political of preservation the Young people participating in a focus group organized in Mostar were very aware of of aware very were Mostar in organized group focus a in participating people their in Young fact that emphasizing kept they and environment, political divisive local their rhetoric of the negative aware are they though Even radicalization. about remarks not did radicalization believed majority the community, in the populism raising and

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------41 The interlocutors from Bijeljina shared fairly different thoughts on the topic. Overall, Overall, topic. the on thoughts different fairly shared Bijeljina from interlocutors The they that believe did new not generation have to the out break opportunity of the is the Even though majority of the generations. older influences of cycles political icalization icalization as ‘polarization’ of political atmosphere in the country, which they gen strong communicated all Almost and participants cynical. find meaningless erally and destructive as characterized they which parties, political local toward criticism patterns. divisive in perpetuating the existing involved actively they are not fully aware of the specific risks present in their local community or in community local in their present risks of specific the aware fully not are they some that stated openly some are media outlets the However, media they follow. a is there implied them of Most youth. the among animosity foster and create to set radicalized, of a becoming risk into individual a put can young that of factors chain but they could not Their identify around rad answers them also precisely. revolved about the cases of radicalization they could think of in the recent period. The majority majority The period. recent the in of think could they radicalization of cases the about or cases to existing any reference not in provide of also could people Bihac young they are seem networks with. familiar Most to participants know what the major but BiH, in communities other in and locally nowadays, are radicalization of causes some teachers have continuously warned them of the potential dangers and risks, risks, and dangers of potential the them warned continuously have teachers some but not much was done to ensure their safety. Some individuals shared and cussed their dis personal trauma and while grievances, others kept mentioning the recent war in BiH and referenced no was reflection There as ‘mujahidin’,radicalization. consider personally of they what amples ‘chetniks’ or ‘fikretovci’ as prime ex perceptions. All of this is accompanied by ‘locally-embedded pitfalls’ for religious for religious pitfalls’ All of by this perceptions. is ‘locally-embedded accompanied stated, interlocutors young the as communities, religious all because radicalization, deal dependent on politics. in a great are and parents their that noted also Bihac in interviewed people young of majority The grants might belong to. There is also a high value placed in general on the role of on the role in general is a placed also value to. There high belong might grants agents and to of external weakness the tackle negative local institutions growing pres community greater and privacy of lack a up brought they Furthermore, trends. their shaping in factors important as patterns behavioral certain to conform to sure to be the most acclimated to the topic of ‘radicalization’, having recently witnessed witnessed recently having of ‘radicalization’, topic the to acclimated most be the to waves of to coming migrants and They their unprecedented city. through passing with presence social various charged negatively phe connected migrants’ instantly nomena they were aware of, including ‘radicalized some religious movements’ mi There seem There to be varying and understandings questions in unaddressed other pre conducted team research the which in communities local ‘mono-ethnic’ dominantly appeared Bihac in organized sesssion the at participating Youth groups. focus other ------42 improve the society altogether. However, they were outright unable However, to the improve society define altogether. the or term and a related they showed and lack understanding of knowledge general As opposed to the respondents in Bijeljina, the youth in Donji Vakuf associated the associated Vakuf in Donji youth the in Bijeljina, to respondents the As opposed concept of radicalization with less negative connotations. Namely, thisaimed groupor idea efforts of of ‘a strong stu the launching with radicalization identified dents might that changes with result can which goals’, of certain at the accomplishment media literacy programs, as useful counter-measures. When asked about other fac other about asked When counter-measures. useful as programs, radicalization, literacy media combating or prevention the shape or impact could that actors or tors the in interlocutors’ Bijeljina resolutely pointed to the governmental and non-gov and as informal as well formal families, and extended parents sectors, ernmental programs. education significance information sources and quality of news, as well as the level of general general of level the as well as news, of quality and sources information significance awareness among youth, as underlying factors potentially pushing individuals to wards more radicalized ideas strengthening or movements.and Some have strongly stressed (information), the imnews fake and propaganda eliminating of portance in determining the potential agents. They specifically claim that, once subsumed by by subsumed once that, claim specifically They agents. potential the determining in likely and more are radicalized men tend to ideas, are be intensively radical more not do they While women. to comparison in people of number a larger influence to perceive the area where a person lives or their the to ethnicity/religious affiliation as attention im the drawn also have Bijeljina from interviewees the factors, portant ing that the country’s weak economy and social media are especially conducive with with conducive especially are media social and economy weak country’s the that ing to radicalism attributed universally almost They of radicalism. and spread the rise aggressiveness and duplicity of manipulative agents who prey on the factors weak. More important as considered be can gender and age both that believe they over, of political oppression of leaders from Banja Luka, which is strongly correlated with with correlated strongly is which Luka, Banja from leaders of oppression political of parties. of political members prominent various towards judgments their personal to Similarly, their counterparts from Bihac, the respondents from Bijeljina empha sized the impact of external actors, political especially influences Serbia, from not public discourses. While most respondents in Bihac associated radicalization with radicalization in associated Bihac respondents most While discourses. public the to phenomenon this linked Bijeljina from interviewees the waves, migration new root is understanding specific Their Srpska. Republika in politics charged negatively form as a ‘radical’ politics of entity categorizations social constructed ed in locally young people are more and more exposed to this topic on a daily basis. However, they they However, in basis. has present their surroundings, not been strongly that daily radicalization convinced a on topic this to exposed more and more are people young felt that most of the conversations are taking places the in on and the streets schools in and duringtopic this to infor devoted is time no or less and get-togethers, mal

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION - - - - 43 Almost all interlocutors agreed that radicalization of the political party party political the of radicalization that agreed interlocutors all Almost 17 J. & Sijamija M. (2018). Stable and state subsidized party membership in Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina in subsidized party membership and state - Hasić J. & Sijamija M. (2018). Stable LOCAL RESILIENCE TOWARDS YOUTH RADICALISATION to reductionist statements on its existence and superficialand existence identificationitsreductioniststatementson to commonof None of the conversations generations. for younger and pitfalls ly dangers known institutions. and responsible by action to point competent the need for systematic general public. Nearly all interviewed professionals also agree that the problem of problem the that agree also professionals interviewed all Nearly public. general radicalizationdiscussedis rarely within the official institutional settings, and among col teachers among especially platforms, educational different within and leagues who professionals work with young adults. When discussed, it is often boiled down In views of most of the interviewed stakeholders, the most vulnerable types of young young of types vulnerable most the stakeholders, interviewed the of most of views In those are movements and ideas radicalized dire of a threats in to living exposed support, potentially people family no have who support, emotional need or lonely are who the from them isolate that conditions in or places remote in live situation, financial zegovina, including the educational system. Symptoms they further recognized are are recognized further they Symptoms system. educational the including zegovina, lack of to vision tackle shared institutions, between collaboration weak horizontal tensions growing with deal to vision of lack a and issues, societal shared commonly social structures. that polarize the fragile system penetrated into all spheres of social and institutional life in Bosnia and Her 17 system is highly fragmented, and leaves almost no room forerations. quality-based delib The BiH’s process of democratization was interrupted and delayed by the war and The legacies. decision-making political shaped by heavily post-conflict numerous they entertained this topic. Another problem they identified was the belief of certain certain of belief the was identified they problem Another topic. this entertained they key the probably is which communities, their help will ideas radical that individuals place. first the in them supported they reason existing beliefs, coupled with the unfavorable conditions in with As conditions coupled the the beliefs, it existing country. unfavorable was the and from Bijeljina case in with from the Bihac, the interlocutors respondents had that not radicalism Donji explained Vakuf been part which of with in their discussions occasion first the was group focus this that noted Some family. or teachers homosexuality and inter-religious marriages as examples of radicalism, stating that that phenomena. stating They also cited radicalism, ‘intolerant of attitudes of their examples friends as and family’ marriages about inter-religious and homosexuality previously on based fear the is ideas radical of rise the supporting factor crucial the in Gherghina, S., Iancu, A., & Soare, S. (Eds.). Party Members and Their Importance in Non-EU Countries: A and Their Importance Members S. (Eds.). Party S., Iancu, A., & Soare, in Gherghina, p. 58-80. Analysis. Comparative - - - - - 19 44 18 education are far less susceptible to radicalization.’ to susceptible less far are education ‘Most parents of such young people did not have any connection with religion. religion. with connection any have not did people young such of parents ‘Most They do with not time enough their to invest or children provide knowledge adequate education. People with formal religious education are far less sus ceptible to radicalization. Most of the radicalized persons have no formalfaith be a should part of compul to certainly ed in ucation religion BiH. (…) I also believe people young introducing for basis the be would this as education, sory religious formal with People norms. moral of understanding correct their and radicalism is gradually suppressed through the indoctrination of schools secular in while religious of values, social at the emergence life, about titudes social and differences key of misunderstanding of possibility certain a is there media, the through channeled occasionally is (radicalism) It (…) responsibility it education, religious If through not networks. social suppressed especially in relations of disturbance the to cause a be can who individuals produce can the society’ ‘Religious radicalization occurs in schools to a lesser extent. Private schools schools Private extent. to a lesser in schools occurs radicalization ‘Religious not and isolated often are they since trends, radicalized to exposed more are under public scrutiny in to comparison public schools. In secular schools, - Interview with a Primary School Teacher and Islamic Theologian, March 2019. March and Islamic Theologian, with a Primary School Teacher - Interview 2019. March with an Imam and Social Pedagogue, - Interview 18 19 vulnerable youth to accept extremist ideology. extremist accept to youth vulnerable Another segment in this complex debate on basis. local daily on resilience encounter relates they to phenomena youth’s social the in about critically think to ability of risks the reducing in vital as recognized also was education civic of inclusion The did not play a key role are most susceptible to become radicalized. radicalized. become to susceptible most are role key a play not did Some of the interlocutors pointed out that young people from families where religion religion where families from people young that out pointed interlocutors the of Some believe that: believe Generally, interviewed professionals also believe that the existing school programs programs school existing the that believe also professionals interviewed Generally, by exclusively driven largely are and perspectives, of multiplicity lack outdated, are environment learning unstable As a result, group. ethnic own of their interests the Some to radicalization. susceptible them makes of students groups vulnerable for

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------21 However, govern However, 22 45 20 or the level of their education, they all have similar opinions.’ all have they of their education, or the level ‘Young people enrolled in social science programs are interested in these top these in interested are programs science social in enrolled people ‘Young same the share with worked I members party political young the of to Much ics. belong they group ethnic the from, come they where of Regardless interest. formation’ ‘What is definitely missing in BiH, from kindergarten to college, is civic edu cation, a of in literacy functional development who People people. promote radical content would have more difficult task to sell their ideas if young gen erations they target have the ability to critically some process ambiguous in - Interview with a NGO Activist, Youth and Human rights, April 2019. and Human rights, Youth Activist, with a NGO - Interview April 2019. Expert on Security, Professor, with a University - Interview States: in the Balkan Adults of Young K. (2017). Radicalisation & Berlouis, P., C., Cameron, - Richardson, PREVENTION OF RADICALIZATION AND P/CVE IN BIH IN P/CVE AND RADICALIZATION OF PREVENTION 20 21 22 Previous Previous studies have identified youth education, accessible health care, reducing poverty and as political top of for representation areas all interest government insti tutions involved in designing anti-radicalization policies in BiH. and hours devoted teaching do not allow for much flexibility. flexibility. much for allow not do teaching devoted hours and Teachers encourage conversations with students, and occasionally open space for open space and occasionally with students, conversations encourage Teachers of curricula structure the believe academics involved the However, questions. their present at local universities, but only within specific topics and courses that focus on focus that courses and topics specific within only but universities, local at present East. the Middle like regions, the conflict-prone or issues particular security Some rudimentary forms of dialogue on radicalization and its impact on society are are society on impact its and radicalization on dialogue of forms rudimentary Some Counter-Measures, Healthcare Provision, and Community Involvement. Journal For Deradicalization, 11(2363- Deradicalization, Journal For and Community Involvement. Provision, Healthcare Counter-Measures, 9849). ior. Root causes of deviant behavioral patterns among youth in the past cases can be be can cases difficulties past with profiling the youngsters at in risk of adopting youth of supporting among radical behav patterns behavioral deviant of causes Root ior. experts identified in the field of prevention of radicalization among youth and filing in of BiH:youth with pro high coordination risk for becoming effective radicalized, of substandard institutional lack a ca and challenges, recognized the tackle to pacities practical to several point experts Interviewed the institutions. between cooperation ment institutions at all levels in the government have limited capacities in designing designing in capacities limited have government the in levels all at institutions ment existing the and collection, data systematic no is There goals. set the implementing policy measures do not fully the reflect issues concrete identified by interviewed NGOs, interna challenges key three are There groups. informal or organizations tional ------25 46 23

24 rather unsuccessful in the past.’ ‘Around other the On LEAs. with 20% problems of sort some of had or records, them criminal vious well-functioning come completely from so-calledcame who people some why also is are This there hand, abroad. ‘defectiveformations fighters foreign join to families.’decided still and families They vulnera their had determine us help can that matrices clear some are there think not do I pre avail behaviors deviant such of descriptors closest The risk. of levels and bility proved or less, more have, and they mechanisms, to us the referral able are icalized, evaluating their needs and how from those evaluating of differ icalized, the of rest the youth population. in Another importantoffice, our aspect of the sufficient, quality If us. ofto our work includes available resources additional and funding the cooperation with local police a particular forces, within conducts occasional reported evaluation offences criminal ofof the number the siton based uation, and limited, are use we approaches prevention The committed. crimes of type we mostly focus on post-factum investigation.’ ‘Vulnerability assessment entails identification of subjects at risk of being rad of subjects identification entails assessment ‘Vulnerability - Interview with a University Professor, Expert on Security, April, 2019. Expert on Security, Professor, with a University - Interview 2019. February, Lawyer, with a Criminal Justice - Interview 2019. February with a Criminal Prosecutor, - Interview 23 24 25 es introduced fairly recently, within internationally funded projects. Local LEAs need need LEAs Local projects. funded internationally within recently, fairly introduced es the sys whole time needed and to to funds training make more adapt, are and more tem sustainable. In spite of high-level interest to adopt the necessary changes, inad equate capacities full at of levels domestication prevent lower institutional structure of practices. According to one of the law enforcement experts, the existing institutional referral referral institutional the existing experts, to one of the law enforcement According mechanisms are also inefficient, as they depend on mostly on institutional practic traced to both ‘micro-social pathologies’ and ‘individualism’. ‘individualism’. and pathologies’ ‘micro-social both to traced rity matters, wider academic community and LEAs. The general institutional set-up set-up institutional general The LEAs. and community academic of wider issues matters, rity specific with deal to unequipped fairly and inert disconnected, dispersed, is revealed: interviewed team the prosecutor Criminal behaviors. deviant There are several institutions involved in combating radicalization, including social social including (parents’ radicalization, in combating involved organizations institutions several are There related other and schools health, mental for centers services, religious centers, and rehabilitation detention associations), and students’ councils secu in specialized NGOs councils, community local and councils city organizations,

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------27 47

26 ethnic-national divisions and sometimes hate speech. As a result, young which peo views, radical and populist to exposed more becoming of risk at are ple as realities, social and political the of misunderstanding their cement further well as the ways they fit the general political architecture of the country.’ ‘Young people in BiH tend to distrust the mainstream media, and they generally generally they and media, mainstream the distrust to tend BiH in people ‘Young or poor have informa of sources main stories, their as networks social and portals news online use incomplete and subjective feature sites these of Most tion. promote often might and unverified are contents the supervision, no editorial Social Worker, April 2019. with a Social Worker, - Interview 2019. Online Media Expert, March with a Journalist, - Interview conceived hypotheses, and consequently, making the in situation and hypotheses, BiH consequently, conceived often more 26 27 not a special case, but it has been under a disproportionately high focus of foreign of foreign focus high a disproportionately under it been but has case, a not special researchers, especially when it social comes certain in following tendencies to that excessive theSome believe cases. tremism analysis of the so-called religiouspre support to intended results’ ex ‘extravagant to lead may BiH in trends political and Interlocutors working in educational institutions and religious organizations strongly strongly organizations religious and institutions educational in working Interlocutors within evaluated and be analyzed only can in BiH among radicalization that believe and it to be trends, or never of should local the isolated reduced regional context that BiH goals. is all They emphasized political particular that promote initiatives of radicalization. rudimentary rudimentary and not to tailored specific needs of the young generations. Interlocu not adequately are themselves ministries education the competent that claim tors Additionally, radicalism. of prevention the and plans of development the in involved problem the of prevention and detection early at aimed training lack schools in staff cific risky behaviors, since the legal frames are very crude and do not allow for spe for allow not do and crude very are frames legal the since behaviors, risky cific to attempts some were There observed. risks to particular solutions program cific are programs current all include a wider why range of is institutions into but the all matter, This have failed to gain mo reforms. institutional necessary the for mentum Interviewed social workers agree that the system design is flawed, primarily aimed aimed primarily flawed, is design system the that agree workers social Interviewed work social for centers Local and prevent. to track and rarely and punish, to track spe tackle can that programs implement and create to funds insufficient of dispose perts explicitly stated explicitly perts Other, potentially dangerous, venues for youth radicalization are unsupervised local local unsupervised are radicalization youth for venues dangerous, potentially Other, for more call literacy on and media information Experts outlets. media and online educational programs and more by involvement all parties. relevant One of the ex - - 48 28 servations of ‘others’ being active to pursue certain political or goals, social political to certain being active pursue of ‘others’ servations someone of victims potential even or mute isolated, remain usually ‘we’ while mobilization’ else’s ‘Students often notice and are informed through media about the appearance appearance the about media through informed are and notice often ‘Students of radical groups war in in formations BiH, such extremist of as the emergence the deployment as well as of understand egrad, š uniformed Vi in Chetnik children mations for course, Of countries. other and Syria in ISIL as such from zones themselves isolate all they because radicalization political the about less political trends Limited opportunities for interaction contribute to isolated ob - Interview with a High-school Teacher, March 2019. March with a High-school Teacher, - Interview 28 exaggerated and sensationalized in all available reports, without reasonably justified justified reasonably without reports, available all in sensationalized and exaggerated explanations.

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION ------Media experts our team interviewed interviewed team our experts Media 29 49 political, ethnic, sexual, or social affiliations. Governments need to provide provide to need Governments affiliations. social or sexual, ethnic, political, systems, formal education, part- or full-time employment, etc. etc. employment, full-time or part- education, formal systems, approach systematic more for need the suggest also findings research The on based exclusion social as such issues, ‘socio-econ-cognitive’ various to The analysis of The data analysis also to points the need to immanent policies create youth-at-risk specific matching needs that as targeted and would provide rad to exposed being of danger in or recruited were who those for sistance with combined be should measures and policies These organizations. ical other public available and municipal such services, as social protection up legal frameworks and Fi policy up that instruments the legal facilitate frameworks process. experiences international leveraging and research comparative more nally, mainstream to access and alleviation providing of context the in needed, is at high risk. youth for support tools The research analysis indicates it is necessary to improve the capacities of of capacities the improve to necessary is it indicates analysis research The on coherently ‘deradicaliza of process the monitor and manage work to agencies government to need process the in involved institutions Various tion’. set to need also They challenges. coordination and technical the identifying as vital in reducing the risks of vulnerable youth groups to accept or sup be to. This should exposed are they ideologies and extremist port radical followed with a closer horizontal collaboration between educational trainings. insti and informal non-formal tutions and CSOs that provide formation literacy programs to formal education settings. Firstly, providing providing Firstly, settings. education formal to programs literacy formation adequate training to the teachers and academic and staff, then engage in risks. about the aforementioned and parents students educating settings, formal in education civic of inclusion for call experts Interviewed concur with these findings. Recommendation: Introducing media and in Previous research on radical viewpoints in BiH indicates there are openings openings are there indicates BiH in viewpoints radical on research Previous onlinefor recruitment variousof social groups, sinceradical contents freely censorship. any without online aired

5. 4. 3. 2. 1. , E. (2016). Salafism vs. Moderate Islam: A Rhetorical Fight for the Hearts and Minds of Bosnian the Hearts Fight for Islam: A Rhetorical Moderate ć, E. (2016). Salafism vs. - Bećirevi RECOMMENDATIONS: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA HERZEGOVINA AND BOSNIA RECOMMENDATIONS: 29 local leaders, international organizations and donors active in BIH. BIH. in active donors and organizations international leaders, local The recommendations for stakeholders such as: public administration, civil society, society, civil administration, public as: such stakeholders for recommendations The Muslims. Sarajevo: Atlantic Initiative. Muslims. Sarajevo: - - - 50 programs, programs, as well as opportunities for attaining additional financial sup business). a up set to instance (for port more funds for vocational training and personal capacity- and skill-building skill-building and capacity- personal and training vocational for funds more J. & Sijamija M. (2018). Stable and state subsidized party membership membership party subsidized state and Stable (2018). M. Sijamija & J. ć Hasi S., A., Iancu, & S. in (Eds.). Soare, Gherghina, in and Bosnia Herzegovina Comparative A Countries: Non-EU in Importance Their and Members Party p. 58-80. Analysis. Young of Radicalisation (2017). K. Berlouis, & P., Cameron, C., Richardson, and Provision, Healthcare Counter-Measures, States: Balkan the in Adults 11 (2363-9849). Deradicalization, Journal For Community Involvement. , V. (2018). Extremism Research Forum: Understanding Violent Ex Violent Understanding Forum: Research Extremism (2018). V. ć, Azinovi from Retrieved Council. British [Ebook]. Balkans in the Western tremism https://www.britishcouncil.me/sites/default/files/erf_report_western_ balkans_2018.pdf , , ć & ć V., M. Jusi The (2015). of Azinovi Lure the The Foreign War: Syrian Sarajevo. Initiative, ’Bosnian Contingent. Atlantic Fighters the for Fight Rhetorical A Islam: Moderate vs. Salafism (2016). E. , ć irevi ć Be Atlantic Initiative. Minds of Bosnian Muslims. Sarajevo: and Hearts ć, Adamovi M., ć, Gvozdanovi A., & čić, Kova M. (2017). of Process Reconcili ation in the A Balkans Western and Banja Qualitative Study. Turkey: Luka/ (ISRZ). in Zagreb Social Research for Institute Zagreb:

• • • • • • REFERENCES REFERENCES

PERCEPTION ABOUT RADICALIZATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION