Abstract
In this introduction we set the scene for the eight articles that follow. We begin by evaluating recent academic literature on preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) produced overseas before signalling why this literature matters to New Zealand security professionals today. We then situate this special issue in relation to New Zealand’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts. Taking seriously Recommendation 14 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch terrorist attack on 15 March 2019, which called for the Government to establish a programme to fund independent New Zealand-specific research on the causes of, and measures to prevent, violent extremism and terrorism, we highlight the recent contributions academics have made to improving our understanding of the phenomenon of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation from a New Zealand perspective. We close out this introduction by signalling worthwhile academic contributions that remain to be realised.