Implications for Development, Peacebuilding and Statebuilding

The messiness of the orientation, aims, tactics and recruitment strategies of Islamist violent extremist groups has implications for development, peacebuilding and statebuilding. Although the role of development in conflict-affected states has long been recognised, there is a reluctance to directly engage with violent extremism. Based on the case study analysis, this chapter identifies a hierarchy of interventions. Development practitioners should work in an “IVE-sensitive” manner even when not directly addressing extremist violence. A number of other interventions can also directly target violent extremism including building or rebuilding state capacity and promoting inclusive political settlements. While these activities point to a similar response to other conflicts, ideology affects interventions and requires a detailed contextual understanding of the conflict.