Radicalisation and Spaces (RadiRa)

The project Radicalisation and Spaces (RadiRa) examined in depth the role of space, understood as the local living environment, which has largely been overlooked in radicalisation research to date. RadiRa explored how spatial contexts influence susceptibility to radicalisation and sought to better understand the local conditions under which Salafist radicalisation processes occur. The project also aimed to enhance the potential for socio-educational interventions within the field of prevention.

In terms of practical research, three German districts were each studied in an interdisciplinary manner for one year: In addition to an ethnographic survey of the respective neighbourhood life, standardised surveys and guided interviews with experts and residents were conducted.

Workshops with practitioners were held at the beginning and end of the project, as well as during each fieldwork phase. Through continuous dialogue with professionals in social work, RadiRa developed prevention measures tailored to different stages of the radicalisation process. Project results – including publications, fieldwork documentation, and research-based teaching materials – were made accessible via an open-access project platform.

The findings reveal that dominant local norms, such as general mistrust of the state or low levels of trust within the neighbourhood, are linked to a higher susceptibility to radicalisation. Furthermore, adverse spatial conditions can increase this vulnerability – yet professionals in social work often do not actively address these factors. At the same time, the extent to which extremist scenes are embedded in local contexts varies, influencing their access to, and even dominance over, certain spaces. As a result, an effective socio-spatial prevention strategy – developed as a transferable tool within RadiRa – must consider the respective local circumstances.