The Process of Radicalisation
- Sarah
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
The process of radicalisation can take weeks, months or sometimes years, there is no set timescale, and it can vary from one individual to another.
Radicalisation can happen both face to face and can also happen online, and personal interaction with another extremist isn’t always required in order for someone to become radicalised. People can self-radicalise using material that is readily available across the internet.
Not all that become involved in extremism will align with other extremists, groups or organisations, and this can cause confusion for those that are concerned about or trying to help them.
What happens when people are radicalised by others? - Extremists target vulnerable individuals, offering them a new identity, purpose, and community that validates their grievances and fills emotional or psychological gaps, often through online grooming and psychological manipulation.
Radicalisation is the process where individuals adopt increasingly extreme views, often supporting terrorism or violence, moving from pre-radical stages (curiosity, group identification) through indoctrination (grooming, accepting ideology) towards action, facilitated by online propaganda, personal grievances, and social isolation, leading to support or involvement in extremist acts. Key drivers include exploiting vulnerabilities, promoting hatred, and shaping distorted narratives, with online platforms used heavily for recruitment and communication, turning individuals towards violent ideologies.
There are various stages of radicalisation.
Pre-radicalisation: The individual is exposed to extremist ideas, often online, and may start to identify with extremist groups or grievances.
Self-identification: The person accepts the group's beliefs and worldview, forming an attachment to the ideology.
Indoctrination/Grooming: Extremists actively groom the individual, using propaganda, fake news, and exploiting insecurities to draw them deeper into the ideology.
Terrorism/Action: The person becomes involved in committing violent acts or supporting terrorist activities, often with minimal time between stages.
Key Factors & Methods
● Online Platforms: Social media, forums, and messaging apps are used to spread propaganda, recruit, and build narratives.
● Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Radicalisers target insecurities, frustrations, or grievances (e.g., unemployment, social exclusion).
● Narrative Building: Distorting real-world events and spreading fake news to create an "us vs. them" mentality.
● Isolation & Belonging: Extremist groups offer a sense of identity, purpose, and community, filling voids left by social isolation.
Signs of Radicalisation
● Significant changes in mood, friends, or dress.
● Increased time spent online, engaging with extremist content.
● Using hateful or inappropriate language.
● Expressing extremist views or possessing extremist literature.
● Increased secretiveness
● Withdrawal or disinterest from family, friends and usual activities.
What it Leads To
● Support for ideologies that promote violence, hatred, or intolerance.
● Active involvement in terrorist groups or acts.
● Psychological damage and trauma
● Personal loss and damage to future prospects.
Who is Vulnerable?
Anyone can be vulnerable, but individuals feeling disenfranchised, angry, or seeking belonging are often targeted. It is suggested that the Extreme right wing are targeting individuals that are in particular groups and communities including the neurodivergent, the homeless, and those that are in financial hardship to name just a few.
Quick Actions & Support.
Once radicalisation has begun, specialised support is often required to help the individual involved to reduce their involvement, to get them back on track and to assist them safely back into society.
Getting support at the earliest opportunity is vital, as this can reduce emotional and physical damage to themselves and to others, and can also prevent damage to the individual's future prospects.
Sarah – Exit Family Support
