Where is far-right ideology being exported today? What is the gender dimension in this? How can we prevent violence and extremism? Nearly 280 extremism researchers from various countries gathered in Oslo this week to address these and related questions.
Engaged in discussion about the different reactions and interpretations of the July 22 terror attacks. Anders Ravik Jupskås delivered the keynote address at Utøya on the first day of the conference. Photo: Amund Aasbrenn/UiO
This was the sixth Nordic conference on violent extremism, with the Center for Research on Extremism (C-REX) hosting for the second time. The conference has alternated between the universities of Oslo, Gothenburg, Aarhus, and Helsinki since 2017.
On the first day, the conference took place on Utøya, which for many was a poignant encounter with the importance of their work as researchers; to find ways to help prevent terror like that which struck Norway on July 22 thirteen years ago from happening again.
Unified focus on challenges: Morgan Finnsiö from the Expo Foundation in Sweden, Martin Hamre from Freie Universität Berlin, and Birgitte P. Haanshuus from C-REX, who was the main organizer of the conference, discussed the mobilization of the far-right and transnational connections. Photo: Gro Lien Garbo/ UiO
The manager of C-REX, Anders Ravik Jupskås, reports that they have received positive feedback on the conference.
All three keynotes on gender, so-called lone wolf terrorists, and interpretations of terror were well received. Participants were also pleased with the trip to Utøya on the conference's first day. The trip there served as an important reminder of why we do what we do.
What is the most important outcome of the conference this time?
It is the consolidation of a Nordic research network. The network will meet again in Aarhus in September next year.
What will be the most important topics to address in the coming years?
We need to take a closer look at topics such as technology, artificial intelligence and extremism. But also the connection between climate change and extremism, as well as growing prejudices and hate against certain groups in light of international conflicts, will be important, says Anders Ravik Jupskås.
