Terrorism, Extremism and the 'Grey Area' in Between: Towards a Strategic Conceptual Model of Response in the UK

This research note proposes a strategic conceptual model for countering terrorism and extremism in the UK both now and in the future. In particular, the model aims to address three challenges that the authors argue have yet to be adequately resolved: i) the conceptual paradox of labelling certain non-violent but extremist ideologies as ‘conducive’ to or linked to terrorism; ii) the related problem of the merging of extremism of method and extremism of thought in the UK that has arguably blurred the remit of counter-terrorism; and iii) the challenge as to where to draw the distinction between so-called ‘terrorist-related’ extremism and ‘non-terrorist-related’ extremism. The proposed dual model emphasises the distinction between extremism of thought and extremism of method and outlines the implications that this has for response. The model allows for the possibility of extremist thought that does not lead to violence and the possibility of extremism of method (including terrorism) in pursuit of non-extremist ideology. Terrorism, rather than being viewed as separate from extremism, can, therefore, be seen as a subset of extremist methods. The hope is that this model represents an initial step in providing greater conceptual clarity and a clearer framework from which to tackle both terrorism and extremism.