march-30-extremist-symposium
Violent extremism remains a serious social problem across the globe. Since September 11, 2001, there is growing concern in the US about the threat of international terror organizations such as al Qaeda, and, more recently ISIS, while the number of domestic extremist groups has also grown substantially in recent years. As with any pressing social problem, there is a need for thoughtful and well informed dialogue that can help citizens reflect on the nature of these issues and the most appropriate responses to counter them.

The Earl Babbie Research Center
is pleased to host a one-day symposium: “
Understanding Violent Extremism in the 21st Century
” that will involve local and national experts in the area of violent extremism. Speakers will address a broad range of issues related to both domestic and international threats as well as policies aimed at countering the problem.

Keynote Talk: The Current State of Homegrown Violent Extremism

Dr. Erroll Southers, University of Southern California, Professor of the Practice of Governance, Director of Homegrown Violent Extremism Studies, Director of International Programs (CREATE)

Panel 1: Types of Extremism and the Role of Propaganda

    • Joanna Mendelson, Center on Extremism, Anti-Defamation League

 

    • Dr. Gina Ligon, University of Nebraska, Omaha

 

    • Dr. Douglas Derrick, University of Nebraska, Omaha

 

    • Lowell Smith, Retired Orange County Probation

 

Panel 2: Responding to Terror in the Post-9/11 Era

    • Michael German, JD, Brennan Center for Justice, New York University School of Law

 

    • Brian Levin, JD, Director, Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, California State University, San Bernardino

 

    • Suehaila Amen, International Admissions & Recruiting Coordinator, University of Michigan-Dearborn

 

Co-sponsors for the conference include:

Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, Department of Political Science, Department of Peace Studies, and the Anti-Defamation League

 

Check out these videos from the conference!

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3