Missing the ‘missing link’ in P/CVE: Why rethinking the youth bulge theory is a priority

P/CVE, Youth, Youth Bulge Theory, Policy making

This dissertation examines the impact of the youth bulge theory on P/CVE policy and practice. The study analyses the suitability and effectiveness of the theory’s inspired P/CVE approaches in addressing locally specific drivers of VE in Kenya and Somalia based on youth perceptions and experiences. This analysis found that the prominence of youth bulge theory in the field of youth, peace and security has entrenched gender misconceptions in mainstream P/CVE policy, effectively constraining constructive youth engagement, both as partners and threats. The assessment of local youth realities reveals that policymaker-driven initiatives risk obscuring the locally specific structural factors that breed VE. This leads to approaches that neither address the underlying causes of VE, nor adequately empower the youth to challenge the political, socio-cultural and economic status quo that breeds factors for VE. Further, the demographic ‘explanation’ for civil unrest provides kleptocratic governments with ‘legitimate’ excuse for bad governance, shifting the burden of addressing VE to communities. The dissertation finds that frameworks that incorporate critical gender and social constructivism theories in understanding the dynamic and complex youth realities are better suited in informing P/CVE policy and practice.