Urban geographies of countering violent extremism: spatial patterns in Nordic societies

Abstract

While we know that radicalization is spatially concentrated in parts of countries and predominantly vulnerable neighborhoods, less is known about how citizens perceive countering violent extremism (CVE) policies, and whether their willingness to report concerns of radicalization follow similar patterns. Exposure to problems of radicalization, law enforcement, demographics and the context of neighborhoods potentially affect how geographies of CVE are shaped. We ask the question: are there spatial patterns of over- and under-reporting, where the degree of exposure to problems of radicalization influences citizens’ willingness to report concerns of radicalization to authorities? We investigate this question in representative samples from eight major Nordic cities (total n = 6603). Using geographical indicators, we explore the spatial distribution of exposure to radicalization, perceptions of CVE policies and willingness to report concerns of radicalization. By mapping the respondents’ locations across postal codes and exploring spatial patterns, the study identifies two spatial mismatches – over-reporting and under-reporting – where they can be found, and what partially predicts these. Across the examined cities, great willingness to report relative to the perceived problems of radicalization seems to be the norm.