Radicalization in Theory and Practice

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Radicalization poses a significant challenge to global security, often associated with violent ideologies and terrorism. Initially, this phenomenon was primarily observed among second-generation Muslim immigrants, but recent developments have broadened its scope. Technology plays a role in spreading radical ideas, although its exact impact on radical behaviors remains unclear. Radicalism now affects a diverse range of individuals, including converted Muslims, women, and those who appear well-integrated into society, challenging the stereotype of young men from marginalized backgrounds. This evolving landscape necessitates new conceptual frameworks. The book identifies the mechanisms linking radical religious beliefs to radical actions, detailing its nature and the processes that enable radicalism to manifest. It develops a conceptual architecture to assist scholars and policymakers in understanding and evaluating radicalism. Empirical chapters based on firsthand data explore the relevance of various theoretical perspectives in radicalization studies. By emphasizing empirical investigations, the authors establish a fresh analytical framework, enhancing the quality of theorizing and methodological inquiries. The work integrates insights from security studies with broader theoretical discussions across sociology, social psychology, economics, and religious studies.