Organizational (Dis)satisfaction: Comparing Disengagement Among Former Left-Wing and Right-Wing Extremists

• In Event: A Deeper Understanding of People to Help End Terrorism

Abstract

Despite several studies examining overlaps between violent extremist groups, comparative examinations of terrorist organizations to date have been limited. To fill this gap in the research, we provide a comparative analysis that looks to explain and understand disengagement processes between right-wing and left-wing former violent extremists. Drawing from life-history interviews of 20 former members and the circumplex model of affect as a coding framework, findings suggest similarities and differences between the two groups regarding their decision to leave. More specifically, results suggest that organizational grievances such as poor leadership, indecisive action, and low quality personal, as well as important emotional markers - displeasure, unpleasant activation, and activated displeasure - prominently characterize these retrospective accounts when addressing factors related to disengagement. We end the paper with suggestions for future research that could extend the study of terrorism and that may have significance for how practitioners address countering violent extremism (CVE) initiatives.

Authors

• Steven M. Windisch, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Pete Simi, Chapman University

• Gina Scott Ligon, University of Nebraska Omaha