Trust-building in countering violent extremism programs: a Muslim youth perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the perspectives of young Australian Muslims and their reasons for distrusting government-led countering violent extremism (CVE) programs, while further discussing potential strategies to build trust. While previous literature has examined the relationship between the Muslim community and law enforcement in counterterrorism contexts, there is limited research on the perspectives of young Muslims involved in CVE programs. A phenomenological method was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that these young Muslims do not question the intentions of individual CVE workers, but they do lack trust in the police as an organization and the government in general. The research recognizes the significance of both external and internal factors in shaping trust or distrust, while highlighting that a narrow focus on community policing as a means to build trust has contributed to the existing distrust among young Muslims. To address these issues, the paper suggests the implementation of a Community-Based Participatory Approach (CBPA) that empowers young Muslims by involving them in the CVE design process. This approach allows for greater community engagement and helps address the trust deficit by giving young Muslims a voice in shaping the direction and outcomes of their involvement.