LIT 7 - Della Porta, Process of Radicalization and De-Radicalization? Flashcards
What is the definition of radicalisation? Della Porta
Radicalisation is a process that leads to an increased use of political violence.
What is the definition of de-radicalisation? Della Porta
De-radicalisation is a process that leads to a decreased use of political violence.
What is the main aim of the focus section of the International Journal of Conflict and Violence? Della Porta
The main aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the processes, dynamics and mechanisms of radicalisation and de-radicalisation.
How has research on radicalisation and de-radicalisation been fragmented? Della Porta
Research on radicalisation and de-radicalisation has been fragmented into separate disciplines and topical focus areas, emphasising varying theoretical approaches and different aspects of the phenomenon. Research on different waves of violence has been addressed by specialists in different geographical areas, using different toolkits, and often bringing to bear idiosyncratic explanations.
What is the focus of most research on Islamist political violence during the past decade? Della Porta
Most research has focused on terrorism and has been largely restricted to the appearance of very specific groups that have emerged in OECD countries. Historical perspectives on this contemporary phenomenon have been rare and most studies of radicalisation have not taken into account its counterpart, processes of de-radicalisation.
What are the three levels of radicalisation? Della Porta
Micro (individual), meso (group and organisational), and macro (structural conditions and discursive settings).
How do the two dimensions of radicalisation, action (behaviour) and attitudes (aims and perceptions), relate to one another? Della Porta
They are closely linked but must not be understood as necessarily depending on or even corresponding to each other. Radical attitudes do not always precede or lead to violent acts. Groups voicing the most radical aims are not necessarily the first to engage in violence. Becoming involved in violent groups and engaging in acts of violence does not always presume adherence to radical aims and frames of reference, but can be motivated by, for example, personal relationships and loyalty to a group.
What is a more productive way of analysing radicalisation? Della Porta
It may be more productive to analyse it as a process of interaction between violent groups and their environment, or an effect of interactions between mutually hostile actors.
What are some examples of radicalisation as a process of interaction or an effect of interactions? Della Porta
Escalation processes between protest movements and state security forces, or escalating confrontations between different social groups.
How is the term de-radicalisation often imprecise? Della Porta
What is often meant is the prevention and disruption of radicalisation (i.e. non-radicalisation) rather than its reversal, and often behavioural and cognitive elements are not clearly identified.
What are the three levels of de-radicalisation? Della Porta
Micro (individual), meso (group), and macro (structural).
What are some important distinctions to make at the individual level of de-radicalisation? Della Porta
It is important to distinguish between the de-radicalisation of attitudes and beliefs, the disengagement from violent behaviour, and the process of leaving violent groups and re-integrating into other social groups and structures.
What is an example of how the processes of individual de-radicalisation do not necessarily correspond? Della Porta
People can disengage from violence or leave violent groups but retain ‘radical’ beliefs and attitudes.
What are some potential reasons for the ending of violent campaigns by radical groups at the meso level? Della Porta
Defeat, declining resources, organisational disintegration or, connected to the macro level, changing political opportunity structures.
What are some of the open questions about the social quality of radicalisation and de-radicalisation? Della Porta
How social changes, sometimes enhanced by radicalisation processes themselves, and changing discourse in larger society, affect radical groups and individuals. How processes of de-radicalisation are involved when the disengagement from violence is not voluntary. How individual and group processes of disengagement can be linked in various ways.
