The Bulan Institute works to counter violent extremism through research and advocacy. Since 2019, we have been working on the special project that aims to research state policies to deal with returning foreign fighters from Syria and Iraq. The main focus of our work has been on studying the Central Asian experience of repatriation and rehabilitation of returnees and share their best practices with international community.

Governments cannot counter violent extremism alone. A more just and secure world is only possible when independent actors, such as civil society, scholars and researchers work alongside with governments. We believe that research is a key driver in countering violent extremism. Moreover, field-centered research will bring in-depth perspectives to understand the context and drivers of radicalization.