Radicalization, Counter-Radicalization, and De-Radicalization

Catalog description

This course examines the communicative, social, and psychological factors related to individual and mass trajectories into and out of engagement in terrorism and other forms of political violence. It investigates the factors that promote the radicalization process, as well as the theoretical and practical foundations of efforts at counter-radicalization and de-radicalization both in the United States and abroad. With an emphasis on the persuasive strategies employed by terrorist groups and counter-terrorist forces (including government officials, analysts, and community outreach organizations), the course explores the social and psychological processes that move an individual towards engagement in political violence; the conceptual distinctions between radicalization, violent radicalization, counter-radicalization, and de-radicalization; the specific efforts designed and implemented by counter-terrorist forces meant to prevent violent radicalization; existing programs and initiatives designed to divorce an individual from his/her violent ideology; and the question of whether radicalization is fundamental to terrorism.