Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a checklist that could predict violent extremist actions? If one ticks a number of boxes then the probability that someone is an extremist is there. The more one ticks, the bigger the probability. Wouldn’t it be nicer if one can prevent those tick boxes beforehand, avoiding catastrophic […]
Factors in becoming involved in violent extreme radical actions and terrorism
Prediction – soft sciences
Government and academic research has consistently indicated that there is no single socio-demographic profile of a terrorist in the UK, and no single pathway leading to involvement in extremism. Terrorists come from a variety of backgrounds and appear to become involved in different ways and for differing reasons. No single factor is enough to […]
Prediction – theory
There are scientists who argue that if we can understand what turns a normal human being into a radicalised one, and eventually into one who acts in a violent manner on his/her ideas, then we can predict who among us is a potential terrorist. That can help us prevent such acts, mainly through the incapacitation […]
Attitude
The first stage encompasses an attitudinal journey, where an individual begins to hold extremist views. During this stage, the concerned person is exposed to radicalised ideology and becomes himself or herself radicalised. The path leads to an ‘extremist’ position. […]
Behaviour
Here one can notice a deeper commitment. The Push Factors and The Pull Factors: factors that can push someone into taking extreme action or pull him or her towards such actions. […]
Ideology
Whilst ideology remains central to radicalisation, it needs to be addressed in tandem with psychological needs and vulnerabilities. Often terrorist propaganda appeals to these psychological needs, such as the desire for status or excitement. Ideology acts as a ‘pull’ factor, providing a framework that fulfils a need for identity, and a diagnostic by which […]
Don’t be a puppet
Violent extremists often target those who are lonely, anxious, frustrated, bored, angry, or confused. […]
Rehabilitation or punishment?
There isn’t one size fits all model in this case. This is because European policies, justice system and governing style differs in most of European countries. There are several approaches across Europe. Some countries use the criminal justice system to severely punish returnees. These countries are on the one hand motivated by their desire […]
Learn with us: Lesson 3
Learn more in Lesson 3: Factors in becoming involved in violent extreme radical actions and terrorism. […]