The devastating terrorist attacks of March 15, 2019 left many of us searching for answers. More than two years later, there are many questions that remain unanswered.
In response to the recommendation of Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Attacks, we have gathered together in this inaugural national Hui on countering terrorism and extremism to work together to find answers and solutions.
One of the key objectives in our agenda is to discuss how we may establish a programme to fund independent New Zealand-specific research on the causes of, and measures to prevent, violent extremism and terrorism.
Research capabilities
With research being a core mission of our Universities, they have a key role to play in ensuring that this objective is met. The Universities of Aotearoa have strong academic capacity to make meaningful contributions and here in Otautahi Christchurch, Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | the University of Canterbury, in partnership with mana whenua, has research capability that is deeply connected to our communities.
It is important to acknowledge that we are not starting from zero as there is already a reservoir of research published by our Universities, that we can draw upon to inform our Korero. Hence, it is pleasing to recognise the many academics participating in this Hui.
Although there are a range of institutions that do research, universities are unique institutional types, as research in universities is intricately linked to our responsibility for education.
Role of Universities
Terrorism and extremism of any type is in fact antithetical to the very nature of Universities and our academic missions which is fundamentally about open-mindedness, inquiry and developing knowledge in its multiple forms and perspectives.
Universities bring together students and staff from a range of walks of life, different generations, different ethnicities, varying perspectives and academic disciplines to learn and to research.
Our commitment to diversity is backed by a substantial body of research in Psychology, Economics, Computer Science and many other fields that shows that diversity and inclusion in our approaches to tackling complex challenges produces better outcomes compared to homogeneity.
Why is it then that we continue to struggle with diversity and inclusion, and hate crimes, racism and extremism continue? Just last week, our local media reported a racially motivated attack on two school students.
Building social cohesion
There is clearly a need for more research on the broad question of how we build social inclusion and social cohesion and thereby contribute to the wellbeing of all in our communities.
Countering extremism, terrorism and ethnic hatred is what many scholars describe as a ‘wicked problem’. In contrast to so-called ‘tame problems’ (those usually with clear definition), ‘wicked problems’ are those that cannot be tackled by singular, linear approaches to research and require integration across scales and perspectives.
At this Hui we have a unique opportunity to co-create new approaches to the complex tangle of questions and issues that warrant further research.
As we respond to the Royal Commission’s recommendations, it is important that we that go beyond the question of what is to be researched, to include reflections on how we conduct research, from whose perspectives and in whose interests.
Moreover, it is imperative that we enlarge the scope of our considerations beyond direct violence and extremism by casting within our lenses insidious forms of violence that may be built into the fabric of everyday behaviours and structures in ways that undermine people’s access to basic needs and have a corroding impact of their sense of worth and wellbeing.
Opportunity to build relationships
By bringing together central and local government agencies, communities, civil society, the private sector and researchers, this annual Hui gives us a unique opportunity to build relationships, share understanding and plan how we may work together to counter violent extremism and terrorism.
To inspire us all. I find myself reaching back into history recalling the work of political philosopher Franz Fanon: “Humanity is waiting for something other from us than … an imitation … if we want humanity to advance a step farther, if we want to bring it up to a different level … then we must invent and we must make discoveries. … For … ourselves and for humanity … we must work out new concepts and try to set afoot a new [human].”
Professor Cheryl de la Rey is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury based in Christchurch. The above is an extract of her speech at the First Hui on Countering Terrorism and Violent Terrorism at Christchurch Town Hall on June 15, 2021.
