Following a spate of terrorist attacks, how can the concepts of democracy and accountability offer a sustainable solution to the conundrum posed by violent extremism?
While there's no silver bullet in addressing such a complex issue, Yves Leterme, secretary-general at International IDEA, told Devex associate editor Richard Jones that a sustainable solution would likely consist of a balance of people’s liberties with the provision of security for the general public — something democracy and a focus on accountability can offer.
“It’s about delivering in the long run, investing in inclusive societies [and] holding leadership accountable,” said Leterme, adding that the focus should remain on the need to hold accountable the people who perpetrate and propagate an extreme agenda.