About the Pax Caledonia Network
Scotland occupies a unique position in relation to counterterrorism and counter-extremism. Whilst security is reserved to Westminster, Scottish agencies bear responsibility for responding to threats from terrorism and extremism — from counterterrorism policing to statutory obligations under PREVENT. Academics across Scottish universities are similarly engaged in a growing body of research on these issues. Yet until recently, there was no formal network bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore shared interests and build a community around security, counterterrorism, and counter-extremism in Scotland.
The Pax Caledonia Network was established to fill that gap. A collaboration between the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews and the Risk Management Authority (RMA), the network provides a forum for knowledge exchange and translation, enhances opportunities for cross-sector cooperation, and is building a sustainable, multidisciplinary community focused on security issues in Scotland — with reach and relevance extending to the UK and beyond.
Who We Are
The Pax Caledonia Network brings together nearly 400 members from across academia, policy, and practice. Our members are drawn from Scotland, across the UK, and internationally, and include academic researchers, counterterrorism and policing professionals, criminal justice practitioners, and policymakers working on security, counterterrorism, and counter-extremism.
As Europe’s oldest centre focused on terrorism and political violence, and the primary such centre in Scotland, CSTPV acts as the hub for this multi-sector community. The Centre has strong existing relationships with a wide range of policymakers and practitioners in Scotland, the UK, and internationally, as well as collaborative links with researchers across Scottish universities working in politics, criminology, psychology, and related disciplines. This positions the network to bridge research, policy, and practice in ways that few other forums in Scotland can.
What We Do
The network runs a monthly programme of webinars and seminars, bringing leading researchers and practitioners together to share evidence-based insights on counterterrorism and counter-extremism. Topics have ranged across young people and extremism; gender and terrorism; community reporting of terrorism concerns; and restorative justice approaches to extremism. See some of the network and the Centre’s past events.
We also hold an annual network meeting to take stock of developments in the field, share new research and practice, and identify opportunities for collaboration. The network launched formally at an event hosted by the Risk Management Authority in summer 2024.
A Pax Caledonia newsletter, sharing the latest research, policy developments, and opportunities across counterterrorism and CVE, is coming soon and will be distributed to all network members.
Why Pax Caledonia?
Scotland is increasingly recognised as a site for innovative, ethical, and evidence-based approaches to counterterrorism and counter-extremism. The Pax Caledonia Network aims to strengthen that reputation, positioning Scotland not just as a place where security challenges are responded to, but somewhere the best thinking about those challenges is developed, shared, and deployed.
Join the Network
Membership is open to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with an interest in security, counterterrorism, and counter-extremism. There is no formal application process, simply sign up via the link below to join our mailing list and receive updates on events and opportunities.
Contact: Dr Sarah Marsden — [email protected]