“Countering Violent Extremism” (CVE) is a campaign driven by national security, intelligence and federal law enforcement agencies that purports to steer people off pathways to “radicalization” or “extremism.”  However, CVE is not supported by sound evidence; it is rooted in discredited theories that “radical” beliefs may predict propensity to commit politically-motivated violence.  In practice, CVE falsely legitimizes discrimination against Muslims and dissidents. 

CVE programs often recruit non-law enforcement professionals — including doctors, counselors, teachers, imams and others — to engage in soft surveillance, reporting on and referring folks deemed “vulnerable to extremism” for “interventions” to change their beliefs.