The Path to (Cyber-)jihad: An Analysis of the Phases of the Radicalization Process, and its Influence on Individuals Based on Data from Judicial Sentences

• In Event: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Radicalization: Assessment of the Phenomenon, Prevention Tools and Counter-radicalization Policy Analysis.

Abstract

Following the contributions in crime science on the processes of islamist radicalization via the Internet, analysts present a series of characteristic phases that differentiate it significantly from the offline radicalization that dominated the scene between the years 2001-2010.

From the consideration of these differentiated phases, this research is posed with a double objective. Firstly, to analyze if the process of radicalization responds to both the phases and the order of appearance suggested by the scientific literature. On the other hand, and based on the data collected in the previous point, to evaluate the relationship between the levels of radicalization in individuals and the phases of the process. In order to fulfill both objectives, a sample of judicial sentences from Spain, Germany and UK related to crimes of jihadist terrorism with references to the use of ICT has been selected.

Authors

• Miguel Ángel Cano Paños, Andalusian Interuniversity Institute of Criminology (University of Granada)

• Francisco Javier Castro Toledo, Miguel Hernández University

• Nuria Rodríguez-Gómez, CRÍMINA. Research Center for the Study and Prevention of Crime. Miguel Hernandez University of Elche