“Prevent” in the Muslim Community: A Counterproductive Terrorism Strategy?

Prevent remains a controversial counter terrorism strategy which is viewed with suspicion within the Muslim community, despite the growth of far-right referrals over recent years. The strategy still refers more Muslims than any other ethnicity, consequently it is regarded by some as discriminatory and as a tool to spy on their community rather than to counter terrorism but is this really a fair assessment of a strategy? This article will explore the strategy through its marginal approach of exclusively focusing on young Muslim people, their communities and their educational institutions. It will consider whether the Prevent strategy diverts from its aim to deter vulnerable people from being drawn towards terroristrelated activity but instead alienates the Muslim community and stifles free speech indirectly through State surveillance.