Welcome to the new homepage of the German Institute on Radicalization and De-radicalization Studies (GIRDS). As the first German research and network initiative focusing solely on the theory and practice of de-radicalization and counter-radicalization GIRDS is completely non-profit and independent. We are not institutionally bound and do not follow any partisan politics. GIRDS can be seen as transparent network of experts both from practical backgrounds and the academia aiming to foster the theoretical and practical development of de-radicalization methods, evaluation tools, training manuals, and concepts. GIRDS is open to all interested practitioners and researchers and we encourage you to contact us if you would like to participate and join us in striving for a free exchange of experiences and ideas to make de-radicalization and counter-radicalization more effective and sustainable. GIRDS is also the only German network in the field certified by the ISDEP standard in recognizing radicalization and appropriate intervention.
Daniel Koehler, Founder and Director
Today (February 3, 2021) a new Op-Ed written by our Director Daniel Koehler and Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss from American University in Washington D.C. was published in one of the world’s leading international relations magazines: Foreign Affairs. We are immensely proud that this article titled A Plan to Beat Back the Far Right. Violent Extremism in America Demands a Social Response found its home with Foreign Affairs and helps to transfer lessons learned from fighting far-right extremism in Germany to the United States after the January 6, 2021 riots in Washington.
