Education and Radicalisation: A Conversation with Lynn Davies and Zin Derfoufi

Join us for an interactive conversation on the meaning of and discourses on radicalisation, and the potential of education in offering a safe space to address the battle of ideas, encounter difference and explore non-violent means to challenge injustice.

Building on extensive fieldwork, Dr Derfoufi will open the conversation by exploring discourses on radicalisation and why a growing body of research argues it is wrong to automatically associate radicalisation with support for terrorism.

Next, Prof Davies will reflect on the role of education in active safeguarding, a role which is not just about surveillance but providing a safe space to create turbulence, hence fostering resilience to violent narratives.

Speakers

Dr Zin Derfoufi

Dr Zin Derfoufi is a lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at St Mary's University. His research blends psychology and sociology to understand why and how people organise on urgent social issues - whether in partnership with state authorities or independently of them. In recent years, his focus has been on policing and security issues. He is also an advisor to various community groups and policing bodies.

Prof Lynn Davies

Prof Davies is Emeritus Professor of International Education at the University of Birmingham and Co-Director of the social enterprise ConnectFutures. ConnectFutures’ work includes the development of on-line and face-to-face training programmes on safeguarding and on connections between extremism, gangs and violence.

Prof Davies’ research interests are in education, conflict and extremism, and she has done research and consultancy in a number of conflict-affected states. She has also worked with UNESCO and OSCE on developing manuals relating to preventing violent extremism and countering racism, and with GIZ on social cohesion in Sri Lanka and gender in Afghanistan. Her books include Education and Conflict: Complexity and Chaos (2004), Educating Against Extremism (2008) and Unsafe Gods: Security, Secularism and Schooling (2014).