Racialisation and counter-radicalisation: a study of Dutch policy frameworks

Counter-radicalisation measures have been criticised for stigmatising Muslim communities. However, little research exists on racialisation in policy frameworks found in counter-radicalisation policy documents themselves. Analysis of these documents can reveal whether and how racialising patterns emerge in bureaucracy at the national level, because policy documents circulate and institutionalise regulatory, administrative power. This paper presents a study of counter-radicalisation policy documents developed by the Dutch government, a pioneer in counter-radicalisation policy. A computer-assisted qualitative content analysis of policy documents was conducted and then contextualised using interviews with policy makers and executives. The policy documents were found to securitise Muslims, constructing them as potentially risky/at risk and as ‘Other’ communities. Using a theoretical framework that takes racialisation to be a particular essentialised construction of group membership, the analysis presents a nuanced answer to the question if counter-radicalisation policy frameworks racialise Muslims. There is evidence for racialisation, as well as for conscious efforts to prevent this effect. Insights from this study support appeals to reconsider the national security policy framework that expects Muslims to take responsibility for preventing radicalisation and terrorism.