Contextualizing institutional approaches to radicalization in the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa

This article introduces the special issue that explores the impact of institutions on radicalization and violent extremism (VE) in the Balkans and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It sets a common theoretical framework based on new institutionalism, and defines how norms, rules, practices, and relationships within and between institutional actors shape political and policymaking behaviors. Seven potential drivers of radicalization that will be considered throughout all case studies in the special issue are introduced. Through a comparative and contextual approach, all papers examine these seven drivers that include territorial inequalities, economic deprivation, political ideas, cultural factors, religion, digital literacy, and transnational dynamics, in relation to institutional practices and interactions. The analytical framework defines a common research methodology that is based on interviews and focus groups with representatives of various types of institutions, including state institutions, civil society organizations, international organizations, religious institutions, and media outlets. The findings in this article broaden traditional perspectives of VE by highlighting country-specific and complex forms of institutional practices and interactions, as well as by contrasting perceptions of drivers in different geographical and institutional contexts.