Hate crimes, growing intolerance, xenophobia, closed
ideologies and communities, street violence by the extreme
left and right – all are manifestations of polarisation, and
are threats to Europe’s fundamental values.
Underlining their own regional problems with polarisation –
and looking for a way to understand it – RAN practitioners
from across Europe gathered in Amsterdam on 6 July 2017.
They were in particular seeking actions – a way to do
something, to manage the situation.
This large group of practitioners, reflecting the focuses of
different working groups, worked on the draft Polarisation
Management Manual. The text introduces Bart Brandsma’s
model, which explains the mechanisms of polarisation, as
well as chapters offering practical guidance for different
sectors.
