The role of local and regional authorities in addressing polarisation

The role of local and regional authorities in addressing polarisation

Many European local and regional authorities are lacking deep and detailed knowledge on the processes of polarisation. As we have seen, polarisation is a complex, multifaceted and rapidly evolving phenomenon. Research on polarisation and policy strategies to address it are being developed at an equally high pace, yet they remain in an early stage. While the drivers of polarisation can be located at the local, national or international level, the effects often play out locally, potentially fuelling tensions, conflicts and violent behaviours within municipalities. Local and regional authorities are key stakeholders who can address polarisation due to their extensive competencies and relevant resources in preventing violence and fostering social cohesion. Their crime prevention and urban security structures are best placed to diagnose and monitor phenomena of polarisation and tensions at the local and regional level. In order to depict a full picture of potential risks and tensions, local and regional authorities should include all groups and communities as well as relevant stakeholders in both the assessment process and in the elaboration of strategies and concrete activities to prevent or mitigate polarisation. By raising awareness about the phenomenon of polarisation, training stakeholders, empowering local actors and associating citizens in these efforts, local and regional authorities can strengthen their communities’ resilience to potential risk factors and actors. The continuous monitoring of polarising dynamics and trends should be integrated into comprehensive urban security approaches and become a cornerstone of prevention policies at the local and regional level. A comprehensive approach allows local and regional authorities to foster a cohesive and resilient society that provides security for all. Prevention and resilience building constitute local authorities’ key assignments in the realm of integrated approaches to urban security. Various local actors and fields can be mobilised and can contribute to building resilience and help prevent polarisation, such as youth centres, social and mental health centres, family counselling, sports

clubs and religious communities. Prevention activities should foster tolerance and highlight the importance of social, cultural and religious diversity as a basic axiom of a peaceful and democratic society. Strengthening resilience encompasses encouraging individuals to reflect upon and empathise with different experiences, perspectives and viewpoints. Enabling dialogue and citizen participation, as well as ensuring that municipalities and other local institutions represent the diversity of the local population they serve, is fundamental to preserve social cohesion and prevent polarisation.

Part 2

Diagnosing polarisation through local audits

I. Indicators and tools

Polarisation increasingly impacts local communities. Assessing the scope of polarisation is thus of paramount importance for cities and regions. A strategic approach to urban security (which as we have seen should also include the objective of preventing polarisation) builds on up-todate knowledge of the local reality. Efus has long advocated such a strategic approach, which should take into account the factors that shape the local ‘security landscape’, in particular socio-economic factors and social cohesion, and that associates all the relevant actors in preventing crime and improving the local perception of crime.21 The implementation of local actions to mitigate and prevent polarisation and thus improve individual and collective security requires a clear and precise understanding of potential risk factors and actors, tensions and fragmentations in the specific context of each city. The best way to establish such an assessment is by conducting a local audit, meaning a systematic analysis of the phenomenon of polarisation in a local context and at a given time. Indeed, an audit is a snapshot of a situation and thus needs to be regularly updated. It helps to identify priorities as well as assets and resources for preventive measures and enables local and regional authorities to develop concrete strategies to tackle the identified challenges. A local polarisation audit will usually involve the analysis of the city’s or region’s demographic and socio-economic characteristics as well as the identification of risk factors and actors that can contribute to increased tensions and polarisation. The effectiveness of existing programmes and activities aimed at strengthening social cohesion at the local level, including services such as health, housing, welfare and education, should be investigated, as well as the institutional and political environment, in order to build on opportunities and innovative prac-

21- For further information on local audits see Efus (2016) Methods and tools for a Strategic Approach to Urban Security.