AVERT International Research Symposium 2023
The 2023 AVERT International Research Symposium was held at Deakin Downtown, in Melbourne on Tuesday 26 September to Thursday 28 September. This year’s theme, “Democracy, Dissent and Countering Violent Extremism”, provoked vibrant discussions on the evolving landscape of countering violent extremism (CVE) in democratic societies.
The Symposium featured two eminent scholars, Professor Donatella Della Porta and Professor Joel Busher, whose addresses shed light on the dynamic challenges facing democracies today. Their contributions generated thoughtful conversations that will undoubtedly shape the future of CVE strategies.
In the aftermath of 9/11, counterterrorism and CVE frameworks were crafted to combat both foreign and domestic threats. However, the contemporary democratic milieu is marked by escalating polarization, eroding trust in institutions, and the rise of anti-government conspiracies. These shifts have given rise to a diverse array of violent extremist organizations and networks, alongside a proliferation of anti-democratic movements. This evolving landscape calls for a re-examination of existing P/CVE paradigms.
The symposium boldly tackled the question of whether P/CVE policies and programs are equipped to address the multifaceted challenges posed by anti-democratic manifestations. Participants engaged in discussions on the deeper roots and potential remedies for these issues, transcending conventional frameworks. One of the pivotal inquiries was how to distinguish between legitimate democratic dissent and extremism and how to strike the balance between safeguarding the right to protest and preserving social cohesion and democratic principles.
The 2023 AVERT Research Symposium served as a dynamic platform for Australian and international researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to converge and collaborate. Together, we examined cutting-edge research and practice perspectives, enabling us to consider more nuanced and effective approaches to countering violent extremism.
View the Symposium recordings here