JUSTICE AS A DE-RADICALIZATION TOOL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Abstract

This research argued that an effective de-radicalization process must be justice based. By implication, justice must be the anchor or driver of every form of de-radicalization process. It also argued that the terrorists’ major tool for the recruitment of new members had always been anchored on perceived sense of injustice. By the same logic, the absence of injustice will serve as a major blow to strategic recruitment pattern of terrorists. In this conceptual analysis, the paper posits that though de-radicalization is a better option in the fight against terrorism when compared with kinetic approach (use of force), but de-radicalization in itself will be ineffectual when it is not rooted in justice. Using philosophical method of analysis the paper argued that in the fight against terrorism, de-radicalization and justice are inseparable. Finally, it concludes that the reason for the success of de-radicalization in some areas and its colossal failure in other areas is the presence and absence of justice.