Former Combatants, De-Radicalisation and the State - co-sponsored with S56

Abstract

**CO-SPONOSRED WITH S56** The panel examines de-radicalisation as a wider, societal process of social change away from political violence – focusing on the role of former combatants as agents of social change and/or social reproduction. While much research has focused on reintegrating former combatants into society and in reducing the risk of recidivism through disengagement and de-radicalisation programmes, the panel focuses on the impact former combatants have on communities’ attitudes and narratives of political violence – particularly young people. The panel will include discussions on the salience of former combatant network structure, state-society structures and relations, and framing processes and frame resonance as a way of conceptualisation de-radicalisation as a societal process of change. The panel will draw upon examples from countries such as Northern Ireland, and Nigeria and from de-radicalisation programmes in Europe.