Polarisation and Radicalisation Action Plan 2007 – 2011
Author(s):
Polarisation and radicalisation appear to beincreasing in scope, speed and intensity in theNetherlands. The Dutch Intelligence Service, the AIVD, formulated it as follows in its 2005 annual report: ‘The biggest threat to the Dutch democraticorder is currently the existence of a wide socio-politicalproblem where, in an atmosphere of frustrationabout the Dutch ‘multicultural’ society, inter-ethnic confrontations are been provoked both on the partof the indigenous population and ethnic minorities. Persistent inter-ethnic confrontations can threaten cohesion in Dutch society in the long term’., In close consultation and on the request of the municipalities involved in preparing this action plan, the following policy lines have been defined whereby the national level can support the local approach:– Increasing resilience and a bond with society of individuals and groups who are susceptible to polarisation and radicalisation, and their environment (parents/educators, etc.)., – Increasing competencies of the local government and professionals that frequently work with youths and youth groups., – Early isolation, containment and reversal of extreme tendencies of polarisation and radicalisation.