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Terrorism and political violence are one of the most significant threats facing contemporary society. Building on over twenty years of research into the political situation in Northern Ireland, the research team have explored the impact political violence has on individuals and communities; in particular, they have explored the antecedent factors which lead to people choosing to engage and disengage in politically motivated violence, commonly termed `terrorism'. This knowledge has been utilised to inform policy and improve military practice across various branches of the UK government, UK and overseas military services, police and security services, NATO and a number of faith and NGO groups.
The research of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) has had an impact on approaches to counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation, primarily in the United Kingdom but also in the European Union, United States of America, and Australia. The research has informed stakeholder thinking and aspects of policy in all these countries in relation to both Islamist-related terrorism and other forms of extremism (such as the far-right). It has also informed some specific changes to UK government policy.
The problem of how to combat terrorism while respecting fundamental values has become increasingly acute. The research has addressed this problem by influencing the formation, design, development, and governance of counter-terrorism laws through recommendations for legal and policy reform directed at promoting and strengthening key values which cohere around the concept of `constitutionalism' (defined in 2 below). The recommendations have been endorsed by policy reviewers primarily in the UK but also in Australia.
Research insights from Professor Roger Griffin work to understand the dynamics of terrorism and fanatical violence demonstrate impacts on policy, practice and public discourse not only through his establishment as a world authority on terrorism but also his participation in the implementation of the Home Office Prevent strategy. Based on his research expertise, Professor Griffin is featured in a training DVD for WRAP (Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent), delivered nationally to frontline staff in the public sector. Professor Griffin has influenced the plan by Universities UK and the Home Office to implement a radically new strategy for fulfilling Prevent policy in the University sector. His book on the social psychology of radicalization has attracted national and international attention in the wake of the Boston Bombings in April 2013 and Woolwich Assassination, leading to him being invited to join three of Europe's leading counter-terrorism research groups.
The BBC Prison Study provided novel theoretical insights into group dynamics, leadership, tyranny, and resistance. Beyond its academic impact, it has had a profound impact (a) on educational practices — in particular, through becoming a core study within the A-level curriculum (since 2008) — and in undergraduate studies, and (b) on public debate and understanding of these issues — most notably by challenging conclusions derived from the Stanford Prison Experiment (one of the best known experiments in psychology).
Charles Townshend's long-standing research on political violence in the contexts of modern Ireland, the Middle East and the British Empire, has informed public understanding and official policies on issues of crucial importance. In particular, his Terrorism. A Very Short Introduction, drawing on this extensive research, has sold widely and been translated into eight other languages. Its broad impact on public discourse and official practice concerning terrorism is demonstrated by its use in the British Government's CONTEST (counter-terrorism) strategy and in the training of professionals involved with counter-terrorism in the United States. Townshend's work has contributed to educational programmes in Britain and North America, and his expertise on troubling and controversial episodes in modern Ireland has led to service as an advisor to the Irish government.
Dr Lister's pioneering research into people's perceptions of safety in relation to anti-terrorism measures has significantly shaped and informed public and political debate in this complex and controversial area. Lister has co-authored submissions to the Home Office, provided a policy briefing to the National Assembly for Wales, hosted a workshop with representatives from `think tanks' and government departments. Additionally, he has engaged with a variety of civil society/advocacy groups and published commentary (including by invitation) on this area of public policy. Lister has highlighted the negative experiences of a range of ethnic minority citizens, as well as demonstrating the merits of using evidence based research in a highly political and sensitive arena.
Psychologists at the University of Liverpool (UoL) have made an internationally significant impact on law enforcement and associated agencies, and the emergency and security services with regards to evidence based approaches to critical and major investigations, specifically with regards to developing: (i) educational and pedagogic practices in training senior personnel; (ii) professional standards and guidelines in planning, response and recovery and (ii) evidence based decision support tools to assist in work force planning, efficiency savings and providing a clear evidence base for managing risk. These contributions span several diverse areas including criminal investigation, disaster management, public order policing, child protection and terrorism.