sipri-在德国预防暴力极端主义：分散化系统中的协调与合作（英文）-2020.8-28页_307kb

Summary of "Preventing Violent Extremism in Germany: Coherence and Cooperation in a Decentralized System"

Core Content

This document explores the German government's strategies for preventing violent extremism, particularly focusing on Islamist extremism, within the context of a decentralized political and legal system. It outlines the evolution of the concept of extremism and its intersection with crime, as well as the legal and institutional framework in place to counteract it.

Main Views

• Violent Extremism and Crime: Violent extremism is a complex and evolving concept, often overlapping with traditional crime. The line between extremist violence and criminal acts is not always clear, and the legal definitions are subject to change.

• Legal Context: The German Constitution (Basic Law) provides a framework for distinguishing between non-violent and violent extremism. Article 2(1) allows for the legality of actions that do not violate others' rights or constitutional order. Violent extremist groups that aim to destroy the democratic state or commit crimes against humanity are illegal.

• Political Changes: Germany is experiencing increasing political polarization, with a notable rise in support for far-right and far-left parties. The Alternative für Deutschland (AFD) has gained significant traction, while the National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) has declined.

• Demographic Shifts: The religious composition of Germany is changing, with a growing Muslim population and a declining Christian one. This has implications for the perception and treatment of extremism and hate crimes.

• Crime Statistics: The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) reports that violent extremist crimes, particularly right-wing and Islamist-related, have increased in frequency and severity. There is also a growing trend of politically motivated crimes involving foreign and religious ideologies.

Key Information

Crime and Extremism Statistics

• Right-wing extremism remains the most prevalent form of violent extremism in Germany.
• Islamist extremism has also increased, particularly in 2016.
• The number of individuals linked to extremist activities has grown from around 90,000 in 2014 to approximately 113,000 in 2018.

Security Institutions in Germany

• Federal Level:

  • Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, BFV): Handles domestic intelligence.
  • Federal Intelligence Service (Bundesnachrichtendienst, BND): Oversees foreign intelligence.
  • Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt): Focuses on crime prevention and investigation.
  • Federal Office for Security in Information Technology (BSI): Addresses cybersecurity threats.
  • Joint institutions such as the Joint Counter-Terrorism Centre (GTAZ), Joint Extremism and Terrorism Prevention Centre (GETZ), Joint Internet Centre (GIZ), and Joint Analysis and Strategy Centre for Illegal Migration (GASIM) play a crucial role in coordinating efforts across federal and state levels.

• State Level:

  • Each of the 16 Bundesländer has its own police force and domestic intelligence service.
  • These include Landesbereitschaftspolizei, Landeskriminalamt, and Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz.

Crime Prevention Strategy

The Federal Government Strategy on Extremism Prevention and Promotion of Democracy (2016) outlines a comprehensive approach to countering extremism, emphasizing:

• Promoting democratic values and political culture.
• Strengthening democratic thinking and acting.
• Supporting educational and engagement processes.

The strategy is divided into three main dimensions:

1. Primary prevention: Preventing the environment from becoming conducive to crime.
2. Secondary prevention: Reducing opportunities for crime.
3. Tertiary prevention: Offering measures to prevent the recurrence of criminal behavior.

National Prevention Programme against Islamist Extremism (NPP)

• The NPP is a key initiative under the Federal Government's extremism prevention strategy.
• It aims to address the root causes of Islamist extremism and prevent its spread.
• The programme involves multiple agencies and emphasizes coherence and coordination across different sectors.

Conclusions

• Germany's decentralized system presents both challenges and opportunities for preventing violent extremism.
• There is a need for greater coherence between federal and state institutions.
• Ambiguities in defining extremism and violent crime are inevitable but should be managed carefully to ensure effective policy implementation.
• The increasing complexity of extremist activities, especially the overlap with traditional crime, requires interdisciplinary and inter-institutional cooperation.
• Crime prevention strategies are aligned with broader efforts to counter extremism, and include both legal and social interventions.