Narrating Deradicalisation? – The role of Narratives and Narrative Approaches in German Deradicalisation Initiatives

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of narratives and narrative approaches in contemporary German deradicalisation practices, drawing on theories from peace and conflict research. While narratives are widely recognised as shaping identities, behaviours, and social realities, their role in deradicalisation has received little scholarly attention. Given the transformative potential of narratives, this study investigates the role they play in current deradicalisation practices. Furthermore, recognising parallels between conflict transformation and deradicalisation—both frequently requiring identity change and operating within hostile environments characterised by simplistic narratives—it examines whether and how narrative approaches from peace and conflict research are reflected in practice, with a view to identifying opportunities for enhancing existing methods. Using a qualitative research design, four interviews with practitioners involved in German deradicalisation initiatives were conducted. The findings suggest that personal and biographical narratives play a significant role, whereas simplified ideological narratives are less central. Although narrative elements are implicitly present in existing practices, they are not systematically employed as strategic tools. Deradicalisation work is predominantly shaped by an individualistic paradigm, limiting the integration of collective or group-based narrative approaches advocated within peace and conflict research. The thesis concludes that while some narrative engagement already exists, there is limited but meaningful potential for a more deliberate and strategic integration of narrative-based methods. Overall, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of deradicalisation work in Germany by highlighting its prevailing individualistic orientation, clarifying the current role of narratives, and identifying opportunities for the further development of narrative strategies within deradicalisation practice.