Far-right violent radicalization profiles of youth in the Netherlands

• In Event: EXTR6 Right-wing and jihadist extremist attitudes; comparative approaches

Abstract

The prevalence of far-right violent radicalization is increasing, with young people being more at risk. This research aims to identify distinct profiles of far-right violent radicalization in a sample of Dutch youth (N = 1167, ages 15-26) using a person-centered approach. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the diversity in youth radicalization tendencies, which is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies. Data were collected through online surveys and in schools. Latent profile analyses were employed to detect potential subgroups based on the participants' far-right nativistic and violent radical attitudes. Next, we examined the relationship between profile membership and various demographic and radicalization risk factors, including perceived injustice, government illegitimacy, aggression, limited intergroup contact, perceived group threats, and feelings of superiority. Four distinct profiles were found, named: Far-right violent radical (n = 75), violent experimenter (n = 287), low-violence (n = 386), and no-violence (n = 419). Profile membership correlated significantly with certain demographic characteristics (e.g., younger age, male gender) and all examined risk factors. In sum, these results highlight the significance of considering youth’s behavioral issues and their perceptions of injustice, government illegitimacy, and feelings of superiority, in preventing far-right violent radicalization.

Authors

• Hanne Duindam, Utrecht University

• Rogier Verhoef, Utrecht University

• Alithe van den Akker, University of Amsterdam

• Jessica Asscher, Utrecht University