ROLE OF EDUCATION IN PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM: PATHWAYS TO PEACE THROUGH PEDAGOGY

Abstract

Violent extremism remains one of the most pressing challenges to global peace, security, and socio-economic development, often fuelled by a combination of ideological, social, and psychological factors. Traditional counterterrorism efforts, which typically focus on security-based measures such as surveillance and military interventions, often fail to address the underlying causes of radicalization, such as marginalization, identity crises, and grievances over injustice. In contrast, education presents a powerful, long-term solution that can help prevent violent extremism by equipping individuals with the cognitive and emotional tools to resist radical ideologies. This paper examines how educational systems can play a transformative role in countering violent extremism through approaches that promote critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and emotional resilience. By drawing on interdisciplinary research and real-world case studies, it explores both formal and informal educational strategies, identifies the challenges in their implementation, and offers policy recommendations for integrating peacebuilding and prevention into national and global educational frameworks. Ultimately, the paper argues that education can act as a cornerstone of sustainable peace and a proactive mechanism for preventing the spread of violent extremism.