Date
6-17-2026
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP)
Chair
Mary Prentice
Keywords
violent extremism, West Africa, civilian perspectives, counterterrorism, qualitative research, thematic analysis, U.S. foreign policy
Disciplines
Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
Recommended Citation
Ellis, Benjamin, "Interviewing Civilians for a Local Perspective of Violent Extremism in West Africa" (2026). Masters Theses. 1496.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1496
Abstract
This study examines how civilians in West Africa experience violent extremism, with the goal of informing more effective policy solutions. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on a focus group conducted with ten participants from various countries in West Africa. Data was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in participants’ responses. Six major themes emerged: prolonged fear and restricted daily movement; economic and infrastructural disruption; psychological distress and uncertainty about the future; recruitment into extremist groups driven by complex factors; limited outsider understanding of local realities; and support for multidimensional responses rather than purely security responses. The findings reveal that civilians experience violent extremism as a multidimensional problem extending beyond physical violence or religious ideology. Participants emphasized that violent extremism impacts everyday life in social, economic, and emotional contexts, even in the absence of direct attacks. These findings suggest that counterterrorism strategies risk being ineffective when they prioritize military solutions without addressing underlying socioeconomic factors. The study highlights the importance of incorporating civilian perspectives into policy solutions that combine security measures with economic development, institutional strengthening, and community-based interventions. For the United States and its partners in West Africa, aligning policy solutions with the lived experiences of people in communities affected by violent extremism is essential for reducing the spread of violent extremism and promoting long-term stability.
