Tolerance, not terror: Preventing radicalisation (Part 1)

The multiple “causes” obviously make it difficult to pinpoint both those at risk of radicalisation and those who are in its clutches.

However, researcher Magnus Ranstorp (Förebyggande av Våldsbejakande Extremism I Tredjeland, Ranstorp & Hyllengren, Swedish Defence University, 2013) concludes that “violent extremism can be best conceptualised as a kaleidoscope of infinite individual combinations”.

He continued: “There are some basic primary colours which create complex interlocking combinations: 1) individual socio-psychological factors, 2) social factors, 3) political factors, 4) ideological and religious dimensions, 5) the role of culture and identity issues, 6) trauma and other trigger mechanisms, and three other factors that are a motor for radicalisation: 7) group dynamics, 8) radicalisers/groomers, and 9) the role of social media. It is the combined interplay of some of these factors that causes violent extremism.”