Perspectives on Terrorism is an initiative of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism. Visit website
VOL. XII, Issue 1

Reconsidering Radicalization: Fanaticism and the Link Between Ideas and Violence

A central issue with many interpretations of radicalization remains their tendency to overemphasize the role of extremist beliefs in motivating involvement in terrorism. After elaborating on this critique, the authors propose that ‘fanaticism’, a concept developed by Taylor in the early 1990s, offers a way of overcoming this deficiency in radicalization-based approaches through its conditional understanding of when radical beliefs can lead to violent behavior. Primary-sources driven empirical analysis supports both the critique of radicalization and the discussion of fanaticism’s benefits. Results are relevant to both academics and counterterrorism practitioners working to understand the role of extremist beliefs in motivating involvement in terrorist violence.

ICCT Latest Research Visit icct

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Camden Carmichael, Brooke Buxton, Seamus Hughes, Clara Braun
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Gordon Clubb, Katharina Sengfelder, Mary Beth Altier, Ryan Scrivens, Didarul Islam

About ICCT

The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) is a think-and-do tank based in The Hague, Netherlands. We provide research, policy advice, training and other solutions to support better counter-terrorism policies and practices worldwide. We also contribute to the scientific and publi.…