The discussion paper ‘Root Causes of Radicalisation in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States’ examines the diverse drivers of radicalization and violent extremism throughout Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (ECIS). The purpose of the analysis is to identify potential points of intervention for development based programming to prevent the conditions conducive to violent extremism. While a multitude of drivers for violent extremism are found within the context of the ECIS, the most pervasive are feelings of relative deprivation resulting from inequality in society and the habituation of violence as a consequence of the protracted conflicts throughout the region. The paper concludes that the success of any counter radicalisation programme is dependent upon the engagement of the whole of a society (including both the enfranchised and the disenfranchised) while empowering disenfranchised individuals and groups.