Political Sciences
1500 Word
Research Essay
Assignment Overview
Countering violent extremism (CVE) is a contested concept. This is partly because of disputes in understandings of its component parts such as distinctions between ‘extremism’ and ‘violent extremism’, and what exactly constitutes ‘radicalisation’ and ‘deradicalisation’. A key way in which CVE is different from previous and conventional counterterror approaches is that it is aimed towards deradicalisation. CVE is a term used by state representatives, international organisations and policymakers—some use it synonymously with ‘counterterrorism’, others see it as a distinct strategy, and CVE can be an essential part of a state’s or organisation’s broader counterterrorism framework.
Related unit learning outcomes
This assignment assesses the following unit learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse and assess concepts of violent extremism and approaches to Countering Violent Extremism (CVE).
- Compare the different ways Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) has developed in global security debates and where it is situated within the broader history of terrorism.
Assignment Details
Why has the concept of ‘countering violent extremism’ emerged in the policy and discourse on terrorism as a global security threat? What issues does the concept seek to address?
Your essay should:
- situate violent extremism within the broader history of terrorism
- distinguish between key concepts looked at in the first half of the unit, such as terrorism, extremism, and violent extremism
- trace the development of CVE from previous ‘counterterror’ strategies
- explain how a historical perspective on the use of terrorist violence might inform our understanding of violent extremism.
Your analysis must be well supported with evidence and reference to existing literature.
Assignment Criteria
- Structure and format.
- Content knowledge.
- Critical analysis.
- Information literacy.
- Written expression.
Your work will be assessed using the following marking guide:
The report must built around an intelligible structure and is of professional finish. All required information is detailed and complete. TEEL* principles are consistently evident across the report. All key points are supported with insightful and relevant examples and explanations.
All key elements are identified and addressed to reveal a nuanced and deep understanding of the topic that extends beyond that of the required readings. CVE and CT are accurately defined and distinguished and all of their relative strengths and shortcomings identified and exemplified. CVE is positioned in a historical context and deradicalization fully discussion. The information presented is consistently relevant and patiently (though succinctly) explained.
The analysis identifies, develops and researches significant questions that reveal an inquisitive, reflective and evaluative approach to the topic. Any underlying issues or data/evidence at odds are clearly identified, addressed and incorporated into the report’s findings, analyses and recommendations. The report therefore considers and contextualises contingencies.
The writing draws on a substantial range of academic and industry sources, which are coherently and cohesively integrated into the text to generate a dialogue around the topic/s among expert perspectives. These different perspectives are well-researched and justified, emphasising the number of ways that a topic or concept might be understood. Various but suitable reporting verbs are used to introduce these diverse sources and provide the writer’s critical appraisal of them. There are no significant citation errors.
The language used in the essay is unemotive, professional and academic in tone, without being excessively formal. A range of sentence types, cohesive devises and signposts, and rhetorical devices (e.g. questions) adds interest and energy to the writing. Tenses are consistent, and punctuation allows for the meaning to emerge with precision and clarity and without ambiguity.
