Dr Gordon Clubb

Profile

I started at the University of Leeds as Lecturer in International Security in 2014 and over this time I have taught and researched on the subjects of terrorism, conflict, international relations and security. 

I am a research fellow for the German Institute for Radicalization and De-Radicalization Studies (GIRDS), through which I am currently providing training and consultation on an organisation’s de-radicalisation programme. I am also on the editorial board for Studies in Conflict and Terrorism and Perspectives on Terrorism Journal. Since 2022 I have been a Global Advisor for the Eradicate Hate Summit, an annual global event that brings together practitioners and academics.  

Research interests

Former Extremists in CPVE

My research on Former Extremists has outlined the potential role of involving Formers in Counter/Preventing Violent Extremism and Peacebuilding. My earlier work looked at the role of ex-prisoners in Northern Ireland in preventing violence and an ICCT policy brief that set out the contextual factors and role-types that Formers can take in violence prevention. I have recently completed an edited book on Former Extremists (OUP, 2024) that brought together international perspectives, academic and practitioner, which set out the need to develop standards. In 2024 I launched a project with several leading practitioners to establish international standards for employing former extremists in CPVE. I am engaging with several partners with the aim of improving practices for employing Formers and providing safeguards in PCVE programmes. The project has involved the participation of representatives from Exit UK, Exit Germany, Life After Hate, Parents for Peace, Moonshot, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and Office for Counter-Terrorism, the OSCE Anti-Terrorism Unit, the Bangladeshi government, and many more. 

Strategic Communications, Transparency and Terrorism Prevention

Within the broader theme of strategic communications, my emerging research interest looks at messaging and support for different terrorism prevention interventions. My research on transparency challenged widespread assumptions within the field, demonstrating how some forms of transparency can have a negative effect on support and trust in prevention policy. In the areas of terrorist offender reintegration, my research has shown that messaging that signals offender redeemability can reduce stigmatising behaviour among communities toward ex-offenders. Funded by Research England and Konex in Germany, I have researched whether former extremists are credible messengers in PCVE strategic communications. The research also shows that police messengers are pereived as relatively or more credible, challenging assumptions that have informed policy. The research has been presented to the Home Office, UK Counter-Terrorism Police, the Counter Extremism Commision, Konex, and the FBI. I am a participant in the Commsnet network and the APCEN network, where I am looking to identify how strategic communications can be reshaped to help develop support and trust in terrorism prevention policy.

De-Radicalisation

My earlier work has focused on conceptualising de-radicalisation and understanding media reporting of de-radicalisation. In this work I have set out a conceptual distinction for understanding de-radicalisation programmes, I have researched the consequences of labelling these programmes ‘de-radicalisation’ and set forth a normative argument in favour of de-radicalisation and/or rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. Related to this, my research has explored the processes of de-radicalisation as a social phenomneon and identifying the causal relationship between ideology and terroristic behaviour which underpins concepts of deradicalisation. 

• Involving “Former Extremists” as Practitioners in Countering/Preventing Violent Extremism

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Global Security Challenges