Policy Planners' Network

The Policy Planners’ Network on Countering Radicalisation and Polarisation (PPN) is made up of the security and integration ministries of nine European countries and one North American country: the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Spain and Canada. Set up in 2008 and facilitated by ISD, it provides a mechanism for streamlining and systematising the sharing of information on policy, practical implementation and best practice; offers an ‘institutional memory’ for PPN members; commissions research on issues of mutual interest to gain economies of scale; holds regular meetings for discussion, exchange and presentations from non-governmental experts; works to upgrade and coordinate strategies; and enjoys close cooperation with the Coordinator for Counter-terrorism for the Council of the EU and the European Commission. The PPN meets two-three times per year. There is also one Director-level meeting per year to allow for the involvement of senior leaders, including government ministers.

ISD supports the work of PPN members through research and events. These currently include:

• The development of a comparative evaluation tool to improve understanding of what works. This work is supported by the European Commission.
• The production of regular background policy briefs on issues of key concern;
• The organisation of major conferences and events. For example, in May 2012, ISD worked with partners at the Danish Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs to organise an international conference on de-radicalisation. This conference was supported by the European Commission.

ISD also organises a number of practitioner exchanges of frontline workers to allow different professional groups to share information, exchange ideas and best practices, and become networked with their counterparts in other countries. An exchange involving prison officers was held in December 2011 and a second exchange is planned for summer 2013.

The PPN was preceded by ISD’s Government Advisory Initiative on Islam and Integration, which provided targeted policy and strategic advice to governments, institutions and political leaders on sensitive questions regarding Muslim engagement and communications. The PPN was also preceded by ISD’s Intelligence and Policing Project, which aimed to identify and propose solutions to the major lacunae in operating relations between intelligence and police services and between security agencies and communities in addressing domestic threats.