Prisons and Terrorism

Speaker: Rajan Basra, PhD student, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), Department of War Studies

Chair: Dr Gina Vale, Senior Research Fellow, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), Department of War Studies

This seminar will present a wide‑ranging analysis of the role prisons can play in radicalising people – and in reforming them. It will examines the policies and approaches used across Europe, where there is a challenging (and rapidly changing) situation, with record levels of convicted terrorists held in custody and "regular" inmates suspected of having radicalised in prison. This increase and diversification of extremist populations raises systemic questions about prison regimes, risk assessments, probation schemes, and opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.

The seminar will also identify trade‑offs and dilemmas but also principles and best practices that can help governments and policymakers spot new ideas and avoid costly and counterproductive mistakes.

Bio:

Rajan Basra studies the relationship between crime and terrorism. He focuses on the radicalisation of criminals, the use of criminal methods by terrorists, and the role of prisons in the crime-terror nexus and has presented his research at the United Nations, the European Council, and the European Parliament.

He is completing a PhD in War Studies at King’s College London, and holds an MA in Terrorism, Security and Society from King’s College London, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Warwick.

Please register via Zoom, all registered attendees will receive an email with access information.

This event will be recorded.