I mentioned that there are relatively few scholars from Asia, Latin America and

that Africa that study terrorism and counter-terrorism.

Well, Akinola, I'm very happy to have you as a research fellow at the ICCT,

the International Center for Counter-Terrorism.

And that you are an exception to that rule.

Maybe you could help us, in indicating why a number of scholars,

actually from the region of terrorism where is really happening,

why they are not participating in the debate as much as you might expect?

What challenges do they face when doing research or

When participating in the debate.

>> Quite rightly we have encountered a lot of difficulties

in regard to data gathering.

I think perhaps one of the most major difficulties,

we just call on experts from the continent of Africa and

countries gathering primary data from the zones of conflict.

Security concerns, issues regarding fear of being attacked, but

also, it's important that this data is gathered and

also failing to policy formulation processes.

But in addition to this, I also think that there are also quite a number of scholars

from Africa that have contributed to the counter-terrorism debates globally.

We have Martin Elry from Cameroon, there is Christie Anine from Ghana, and

both of them have actually examined the rule of the African Union in combating and

preventing terrorism on the continent.

There are also institutions.

In Nigeria over a decade ago there was the Africa Center for

the Study Research on terrorism that was established.

We have another expert who was looked at issues of extremist violence and

radicalization in Nigeria by name the.

And indeed we have publication series that's produced and

generates knowledge on these issues.

There is the Leadership Issues In Africa series,

which is currently being launched by the African Leadership Center,

which is a continent wide initiative that trains young African men and

women on peace, security, gender, and terrorism issues.

>> And what about the link?

So you mentioned a lot of institutes and I know some of my

colleagues work together with this institute, how can we improve it?

How can we make sure that the participation in the debate is more

active, or better known to the outside world?

>> Indeed.

>> I mean, your guest research here is helpful, but

what else can be done to make sure that we learn more from each other?

>> Yes, I actually think that lots can be done.

I think one major step that can take us forward in the process is,

I'm trying to appreciate that unique perspective which Africa offers.

In this regard, I'm referring to how we can challenge the conventional approach

to counter-terrorism.

Not just using the use of force, for instance,

looking at the security-development nexus, looking at that paradigm,

looking at how we can employ a blend of soft and hot power, which is all fused

into partnerships and interventions involving local and external actors.

I think if both parties or if both sides of the world actually

cooperates in this areas it will take us much further.

>> Okay, is there something like an African perspective to terrorism and

counter terrorism and the way to study it?

>> Indeed I think there is, because recent events,

terrorist incidents on the continent.

In northern Nigeria, the crisis in the Sahel, in east Africa, Somalia, actually

reinforce the need to look at the link between security and government issues.

We need to address the root causes of violent extremism,

which most of the time is underscored by social economic concerns of the people.

People living on the margins of society.

We need to find ways, strategies and

formulate policies that can incorporate them into the polity.

And I think Africa and events in Africa reinforce that need,

the emphasize the need to look at this realities, this issues.

>> Do you have the feeling that western partners in Europe,

United States know enough?

Is there enough corporation that we can learn from your experience and

compare it with our knowledge of terrorism?

>> Indeed there is a lot to learn from the western perspective.

Historically a lot has been done but then Africa has also done a lot.

For instance, some of the things I've mentioned regarding socio-economic

concerns, root causes, structural violence issues.

If you look at it critically, in Africa,

there is need to look at the gender dimension.

For instance, woman incorporating woman,

not only are the grassroots level but also are the highest level of policy making.

Events in Africa underscore the need to look at that.

And I think if that can be combined with a conventional approach of western scholars,

I think the input tool will produce something that is robust enough.

>> Well I'm very happy that you are a guest fellow here at the ICT.

I mean that was one attempt to bring us together and

I'm very happy that we met in the last couple of weeks.

I think, I learned at least a lot from you and

I hope we could continue this kind of cooperation in the future.

I think that will be a good way to learn from each other.

>> Indeed, I look forward to it.

Thank you very much, it's been a pleasure being here.

>> Well, Thank you.

>> Thank you.

Interview with Akinola Olojo about the Lack of Non-Western Researchers in Terrorism Studies

Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice

Meet the Instructors