What makes these “formers” unique is that all have rejected violence and are now actively and publicly working for groups that fight extremism and are recognized by local governments and law enforcement.
Approximately fifty former extremists are expected to participate in the Summit, along with more than 200 representatives from civil society organizations, academia, technology companies, victims’ and survivors groups, government, media, and the private sector. They represent a wide spectrum of voices and experiences coming from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the United States, and Europe, including Ireland. Victims of violence will also be represented.
Summit questions:
- why do some young people heed the call of religious or ideological zealots and embrace violent extremism?
- what strategies work in turning them away from violent extremism?
- what turns young people toward and then away from violent extremism?
- how do connection technologies—the Internet, mobiles, and tablets—present challenges to stem recruitment and opportunities to tackle the problem of radicalization
In addition to radicalization, Google Ideas is also focused on the role technology plays in fledgling democracies and fragile states.