The Organization for Identity and Cultural Development (OICD) recently had the honor of presenting at the 6th Annual Western Canadian Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism (IMVE) Symposium in Vancouver, Canada. This prestigious event brought together intelligence services, law enforcement, local government officials, lawmakers, international practitioners, and leading academics to explore crucial issues surrounding violent extremism.
Mapping Identity Pathways in Extremism
OICD Director Dr. Bruce White delivered a presentation titled “Mapping the Ontology of Polarization, Extremism and Hate: An ‘Emic’ Approach to Countering Division.” The talk showcased how our EMIC methodology provides unique insights into understanding and addressing the complex relationships between extremist discourse, polarized identities, and hate-motivated behavior.
Dr. White’s 30-minute presentation focused on demonstrating how the EMIC method can:
- Chart the evolution of extremist narratives and identities over time
- Help practitioners understand root causes of radicalization
- Identify techniques used by bad actors to weaponize identity
- Track how narratives mobilize groups toward supporting hatred and extremism
Building Collaborative Networks
The symposium, hosted by ShiftBC and the Organization for the Prevention of Violence (OPV), provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with leading organizations in the field. The positive response to our presentation has opened doors for potential collaborations with several organizations interested in implementing the EMIC methodology in their work against violent extremism.
A Broader Perspective
Beyond our presentation, the symposium featured outstanding contributions from experts across multiple disciplines. These diverse perspectives have enriched our understanding and will help us continue refining the EMIC approach to better serve practitioners working to counter extremism and promote social cohesion.
We extend our sincere gratitude to:
- ShiftBC and the British Columbia government for their generous hosting and support
- The Organization for the Prevention of Violence (OPV) for their invitation and ongoing partnership
- All symposium participants who engaged with our presentation and shared their valuable insights
Looking Forward
This symposium marks another important step in OICD’s mission to distribute the EMIC methodology across sectors and international boundaries. We look forward to developing the connections made at this event into meaningful partnerships that will strengthen global efforts to counter violent extremism and promote positive identity transformation.
