The master's thesis analyzes the role and influence of civil society in shaping and implementing counter-terrorism measures in selected Sahel region countries and international governmental organizations. Over the past decade, the Sahel has become a new hotspot for terrorism, where military-oriented counter-terrorism measures prevail. As these approaches often fail to achieve sustainable outcomes, this research highlights the importance of incorporating soft power, particularly through the engagement of civil society. The aim of the study is to examine the extent to which civil society contributes to preventing radicalization, promoting social cohesion, and participating in the development of policies and practices in the field of counter-terrorism. A mixed-methods approach was used, including the analysis of primary and secondary sources as well as an expert survey in the field of (counter-)terrorism. The findings demonstrate that civil society in the Sahel region, despite structural constraints and security risks, represents an important, yet underutilized, factor in the fight against terrorism. Activities such as education, local mediation, and support for vulnerable groups contribute to increased resilience of local communities to terrorism.
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