Counter-Terrorism
Terrorist groups and organizations mainly grow their membership by recruiting members through a radicalization process. Based on rebellious tendencies, an individual can move towards having the motivation to commit violent acts against particular people or groups who are regarded as the enemy. As King & Taylor (2011) establish, radicalized persons usually may start to self-classify as terrorists during this phase, and also take part in actions that correspond to their new selves. Even though these changes in behaviors and beliefs are linked to increasing homegrown terrorism, adequate information sharing, and resources can be availed to assist in breaking the process of radicalization (Bruneau, 2016). Several models have been established to try to explain the process behind radicalization to terrorism, including the NYPD Model of Jihadization and Precht’s Model of a Typical Radicalization Pattern, which form the basis for comparison and contrast in this research paper. A discussion on the behavioral and psychological factors affecting disengagement efforts, as well as recommendations for effective counter-radicalization programs follow.
The NYPD Model, similar to Precht’s Model, describes radicalization as a four-step process. It begins with pre-radicalization when the individual has not been exposed to extremist ideology, then self-identification, where he explores the new ideology and adopts it, then to indoctrination, where he intensifies his belief and commitment to the ideology (Borum, 2011). Finally, Jihadization, where the individual accepts his responsibility to the cause and commits actual acts of terrorism. Precht went a bit further in describing the factors that motivate an individual to join an extremist group and participate fully. He suggests that group dynamics and identification help to increase commitment to extremist ideologies
Behavioral and Psychological Factors Associated with Disengaging from Terrorism
Psychological factors involved in individual disengagement from extremism can be broken down into push and pull factors. According to King & Taylor (2011), push factors, those described as adverse conditions and influences that make joining a terrorism group unpleasant include; disappointment in unreachable group goals, group’s methods, violence, and disappointment with the group leaders. Also, disappointment with the friendships within the group, loss of personal identity in the group, inability to handle the pressure of law enforcement, fear of stigmatization, competing loyalties between the family and the group, and an individual’s personal growth.
Pull factors refer to those that make an individual prefer a specific option, such as living a normal life. Individuals may wish to have good relationships with their families or friendships with people with different political views, and this may make maintain membership in extremist groups difficult (Smith, 2018). Scarcella et al. (2016), also agree that psychological factors involved in collective disengagement include lack of a definite group goal or a plan for ways to make the changes they want in society. Also, lack of ideology in the group thus leaving members with no sense of purpose, lack of leadership, either through death or capture, change in policy by seeking change through alternative channels, lack of public support, and unending suppression from law authorities.
Efforts/Programs that are most effective in countering radicalization and why
According to experts, there are several ways to counter radicalization. These include educating young people on topics such as cultural diversity, stereotypes, discrimination, and extremism (Jasko et al., 2017). Through workshops, exhibitions, and peer groups, young people can be taught about prejudice and discrimination and democracy (Ghosh et al., 2017). This instills the appreciation of differences in young people early. Another program is increasing awareness among first-line responders, such as social workers, teachers, child protection workers, mental health professionals, and youth workers who come into regular contact with youth vulnerable to radicalization. These first responders are taught about different radical groups and their activities, how to identify vulnerable individuals, and how to tailor their responses. In this manner, these professionals can design relevant support systems and efficiently utilize them.
Smith (2018) posits counter communication is another program that fights radicalization by providing messages and information that directly challenges extremist notions. This is usually done via social media or direct conversations. Counter messaging is passed on by the government, opinion leaders, parents, former extremists, fellow peers, and social workers. Groups and individuals who are at risk of radicalization can also be drawn into conversation, creating a dialogue about critical thinking, prejudice, stereotypes, and positive goal setting. These may lead to increased tolerance, mutual understanding, and reduce stereotyping and prejudice.
Vulnerable communities can be empowered to fight radicalization through cooperation between the community, law authorities, and professionals. Training parents, teachers, and religious figures who deal with young people on creating counter messages to extremist ideas can help prevent radicalization early on. EXIT programs target people who are planning to leave their extremist groups or prison (Berger, 2016). They are taught how to change behavior and beliefs through mentoring, social support, conversation, economic support, and religious counseling. These programs are effective because they offer such individuals an alternative and a way to sustain hat new change within their lives, as well as the fortitude to stay away from extremism (Borum, 2011). Creating an institutional infrastructure that includes various agencies such as the police, prisons, social workers, schools, and local communities is another way to combat radicalization.
Conclusion
The NYPD Model of Jihadization and Precht’s Model of a Radicalization Pattern agree that an individual goes through pre-radicalization, self-classification, brainwashing, and finally, terrorism. Precht also adds that group dynamics motivate an individual to be loyal to extremist groups. Several behavioral and psychological factors affect disengagement from terrorist groups. This includes unrealistic group goals, poor leadership, poor friendships, loss of personal identity, struggles with law enforcement authorities, fear of stigmatization, competing loyalties with family and the group, and personal growth. Additionally, a lack of a clear group goal, lack of leadership, change in policy, lack of public support, and suppression from law authorities also affect disengagement. Radicalization can be countered in several ways, including offering counter-terrorism messaging, educating young people on prejudice, discrimination, and cultural diversity as well as training front line responders such as parents and teachers on how to identify vulnerable individuals and how to mitigate that.
References
Berger, J. M. (2016). Promoting Disengagement from Violent Extremism. Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies. https://doi.org/10.19165/2016.2.05
Borum, R. (2011). Radicalization into Violent Extremism II: A Review of Conceptual Models and Empirical Research. Journal of Strategic Security. https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.4.4.2
Bruneau, E. (2016). Understanding the Terrorist Mind. Cerebrum : The Dana Forum on Brain Science, 2016(November), 1–14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28058095%0Ahttp://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=PMC5198759
Ghosh, R., Chan, W. Y. A., Manuel, A., & Dilimulati, M. (2017). Can education counter violent religious extremism? Canadian Foreign Policy Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/11926422.2016.1165713
Jasko, K., LaFree, G., & Kruglanski, A. (2017). Quest for Significance and Violent Extremism: The Case of Domestic Radicalization. Political Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.12376
King, M., & Taylor, D. M. (2011). The radicalization of homegrown jihadists: A review of theoretical models and social psychological evidence. In Terrorism and Political Violence. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2011.587064
Scarcella, A., Page, R., & Furtado, V. (2016). Terrorism, radicalization, extremism, authoritarianism, and fundamentalism: A systematic review of the quality and psychometric properties of assessments. In PLoS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166947
Smith, A. G. (2018). NCJ 250171 How Radicalization to Terrorism Occurs in the United States: What Research Sponsored by the National Institute of Justice Tells Us. 2010, 27. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/250171.pdf