This report represents the analysis of qualitative research findings on the major challenges of
Azerbaijan’s and Georgia’s policies on countering violent extremism and radicalization. Desk
research was conducted in the case of Azerbaijan to uncover the root causes of violent
extremism, while the research conducted in Georgia covered the following regions: Kakheti,
Kvemo Kartli and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

The paper covers the involvement of Azerbaijani and Georgian citizens in international terrorist
groups operating on the territory of foreign states, as well as reviews other manifestations of
radicalization and violent extremism, including right-wing and ultranationalist group activities.
The main objectives of the research are to study and analyze the main push and pull factors of
involvement of the citizens of the mentioned countries in activities of various extremist
organizations, study the strategic documents which lay a foundation to the countries’ counter
violent extremism programs, and examine the counter-extremism activities of the governments
of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

To summarize the main findings of the paper regarding Azerbaijan -poverty and unemployment,
and the activities of outside religious and extremist groups act as the main push and pull factors
of violent extremism and radicalization. The current analysis shows that violent extremism and
radicalization pose more of a danger to Azerbaijan than international terrorist organizations.
However, the government is trying to connect the surge of radicalization in Azerbaijan with
foreign influence. Meanwhile, the analysis of the main push and pull factors of radicalization
suggests that, to some point, an explanation for the fast-paced radicalization can be found in the
relative deprivation theory.

When it comes to Georgia, the research indicates that the problem of violent extremism and
radicalization should be studied through the prism of the synergy of external and internal
factors. This synergy creates a fertile soil for the main push and pull factors of radicalization in
the country, particularly a feeling of frustration, limited economic opportunities, low access to
quality education and alienation from political processes.
As in the case of the Azerbaijani government, the government of Georgia should develop
comprehensive strategy of countering the root causes of radicalization in the country. The
actions taken by the authorities should not be fragmented and oriented to deal with particular
problems.

Based on research findings, the paper provides specific recommendations for the governments
of Azerbaijan and Georgia to support the establishment of a complex and systemic approach to
the problem of violent extremism and radicalization with an emphasis on developing a
community-oriented approach to counter violent extremism.