Disengaging from Left-Wing Terrorism and Extremism: Field Experiences from Germany and Research Gaps

Abstract Left-wing terrorism and extremism have received limited scholarly attention beyond a focus on large terrorist groups and violent campaigns between the 1970s and 1990s (e.g. German Red Army Faction, Italian Red Brigades, or Weather Underground in the United States). This article discusses the contribution of German research regarding disengagement from left-wing terrorism and extremism, as well as field experiences from Germany in the field of preventing and countering violent left-wing extremism. Significant research and prevention practice gaps severely limit knowledge in this regard. Available evidence mostly stems from highly structured and strategically operating groups from past decades.