What Research Sponsored by the National Institute of Justice Tells Us about How Radicalization to Violent Extremism Occurs in the United States

• In Event: Radicalization to Violent Extremism: What We Don't Know

Abstract

The National Institute of Justice’s Domestic Radicalization to Violent Extremism program has funded top researchers from around the country to examine how the process of radicalization occurs in the United States. Although many of these projects are ongoing, important findings regarding the process of radicalization and the need to consider how it evolves within individuals over time have begun to emerge. In this presentation, I will discuss findings from four NIJ-sponsored projects, which highlight several facilitators of radicalization that occur within individuals, in interaction with other individuals, and at the broader community or societal level. This research also provides evidence that individuals’ processes of radicalization may vary by the extremist ideologies and narratives they embrace, the time periods in which they radicalize, the groups or movements they join, and/or their own characteristics and backgrounds. As a consequence, while community members and practitioners can benefit from understanding the common facilitators of radicalization to violent extremism, it will continue to remain important to take into consideration the specific circumstances, characteristics, and experiences of the individuals with whom they are working.

Author

• Allison G Smith, Independent Consultant