Radicalization and the Social Contract: Knowledge, Policy, and Polarization

As academic research on radicalization expands, a significant disconnect persists between scholarly findings and political action, sometimes leading to populistic or polarizing positions. This article questions the formation of diverse epistemic communities on the topic of radicalization, both islamist and of the far-right, in the cases of France and the UK. Through bibliographic discussions with academics, policy makers and practitioners, interviewees reflect on their roles regarding the dealing of the past attacks and more generally on how they have shaped the discourse surrounding radicalization. This reflection, based on a relational approach and the concept of “Mode 2 knowledge in urgency”, uncovers how knowledge and its translation influence both the social contract and its polarization. More precisely, it questions the formation of an epistemic community in the academic sphere following the introduction of the concept of radicalization. Building on this foundation, it posits the formation of non-academic epistemic communities and exposes the formation of links between groups facing urgency and danger, putting into perspective their approach to dealing with radicalization from varying backgrounds and with varying objectives. As will be presented, the three groups indeed have a very different take on the topic, sometimes complicating exchanges and translation of knowledge, both from a bottom-up perspective as from a top-down one. Differences in the two national contexts will also be underlined, fostering a broader understanding of the various possibilities of response facing radicalization threats and attacks. This comparison will also allow a questioning of “good practices”, both based on the interviewees feedback and on the researchers understanding. By bridging the gap between elites, academics and grassroot actors, this research aims to foster more informed and effective policy responses to the challenges posed by radicalization, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced and effective approach to challenges faced by western democracies.