Browsing by Author "Aaltonen, Suvi"

Youth are increasingly seen as valuable actors and partners in preventing violent extremism, and the notion of youth as a problematic and dangerous at-risk group has been challenged. This research explores the ways in which youth are engaged in the prevention of violent extremism and work to advance and sustain peace in the context of Finland. Nine young, active actors were interviewed who have taken part in the prevention of violent extremism in various ways. The interviewees represent a diverse group of Finnish youth who have a positive impact on their communities and society. In addition, two expert interviews were conducted with representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Board of Finland. The thematic interviews have been analyzed by using the method of qualitative content analysis. The interviewees have engaged in youth to youth civil society activity as well as they have taken part in the policy-making processes and cooperated with officials and practitioners in the local, national and EU level. This research found that the activity of youth-led organization is dynamic, and their work is guided by the wants and needs of the youth themselves. The work that the interviewed youth do is nuanced and has multiple goals. Only a part of the work aims to prevent violent extremism while the majority of activity has a wider set of goals, such as improving the well-being of the youth and strengthening identity & a sense of belonging. This research also raises the point whether the term ‘preventing violent extremism’ is problematic since it might be perceived to be stigmatizing and it frames the work in negative terms. This research also sheds light on both internal and external factors that encourage and enable the youth to act. Youth were motivated to act because of their willingness to change something in their community or society. The support, opportunities and encouragement from other actors played a significant role in youth recognizing and strengthening their capacity. In order to build an environment of peace where violent extremism does not thrive, there is a need to encourage dialogue within and between groups of people, empower youth to active citizenship, strengthen inclusivity and to increase the awareness of youth on ways to influence society. The value of human rights-based civil society work for peace and well-being should be recognized and it should be supported.