Pathways, Processes, Roles and Factors for Terrorist Disengagement, Re-Engagement, and Recidivism

• In Event: Intersections of Criminology, Psychology and Political Violence

Abstract

Why do individuals walk away from terrorism? Why in some instances do they return? CTSS researchers are engaged in a three-year project that will deepen our understanding of the terrorist disengagement and re-engagement processes, the pathways into and out of terrorist groups, and the factors that lead terrorists to disengage and re-engage. The project involves the development of comprehensive literature reviews, analysis of 93 terrorist autobiographies containing accounts of disengagement, and new, first-hand interviews with 30 former extremists from a variety of groups. The project seeks to identify vulnerabilities or ‘tipping points’ for disengagement, and to ultimately inform policies for the promotion of disengagement and mitigation of risk factors for re-engagement. This research if sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate.

Author

• John Horgan, University of Massachusetts, Lowell