A Comparative Analysis of Yemen,Saudi Arabia and Indonesian DeradicalizationProgram, Approaches and Best Practices

Abstract

Deradicalization has emerged as a pivotal soft-power strategy in response to the global
proliferation of violence perpetrated by non-state actors, extremist ideologies, and
terrorist networks. Designed to counter radical thought and enable the reintegration of
affected individuals into society, deradicalization initiatives have been implemented
in diverse forms across countries such as Yemen, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. This
study adopts qualitative methodologies and comparative analysis to critically examine
the national programs, such as violent extremist measures (CVE) with efforts to gain
public support through the “hearts and minds” approach which were mainly framed
within the context of religious radicalization, explicitly focusing on tackling the rise
of Islamic extremism through what was called a “battle of ideas” with particular focus
on deradicalization efforts in Yemen, Indonesia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(KSA) and identifies best practices, essential components, and inherent limitations..
The findings demonstrate that no universal model of deradicalization exists; rather,
each program is firmly embedded within its distinct cultural, political, and social
milieu. Nonetheless, certain commonalities emerge across cases, including the use of
psychological counseling, vocational training, and constructive engagement by state
authorities. These shared elements highlight core principles that can inform the design
of tailored, context-sensitive deradicalization frameworks.