EXPLORING RESPONSES TO VIOLENT AND HATEFUL EXTREMISM (VHE): A CASE STUDY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Abstract

Trinidad and Tobago offers a unique site for the study of responses to violent and hateful extremism. The country saw a high per capita rate of citizens joining ISIS after the failed coup d'état in 1990, and then more recently a spike in disinformation and hateful narratives facilitated by the pandemic. This paper examines the work of three NGOs in Trinidad and Tobago who seek to address the challenges of violent and hateful extremism. Using a comparative case study methodology, an analysis of the similarities, differences, and patterns across the three cases identifies and unpacks the strengths and weaknesses of each NGO’s approach.

         This paper is based on analysis of new in-depth interviews with politicians, members of the security administration, and key players in these NGOs, alongside a review of the literature and evaluations of VHE programming undertaken by these NGOs. The paper identifies the drivers of extremist movements (including state institutions) in several communities as well as NGOs’ role in addressing those challenges. It also proposes recommendations for situational analysis, design, and evaluation of new VHE programs to prevent duplication and enhance program effectiveness and sustainability