Panel 6D: Understanding violent extremism, non-violent extremism and non-radicalisation
Chair: Dr Kurt Braddock (American University)
Exploring patterns of online recruitment among non-violent extremists in the UK (2016-2021): group narratives, recruitment methodologies and radicalisation effects
Dr William Allchorn (Anglia Ruskin University) Dr Elisa Orofino (Anglia Ruskin University)
Abstract: Online extremism has become one of the most pressing threats in the UK. Several violent episodes occurred over the last decade - mostly perpetrated by online self-radicalised individuals. Burgeoning (though typically underappreciated) in policy and terrorism study circles, these individuals usually start their path towards violent extremism by accessing material posted by non-violent extreme groups. Using Natural Language Processing and Topic Modelling, this paper examines non-violent extremism across different three extremist ideologies (extreme Islamism, far-right and eco-radicals) to identify common recruitment strategies, ideological appeals and radicalisation effects online in the UK between 2016 and 2021. Examining the Persisting and Desisting Online Posting Behaviors of Violent and Non-Violent Right-Wing Extremists Dr Ryan Scrivens (Michigan State University) [Co-authors: Dr Thomas W. Wojciechowski (Michigan State University), Tiana Gaudette (Michigan State University) & Prof Richard Frank (Simon Fraser University)] Abstract: There is an ongoing need for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to identify and examine the online posting behaviors of violent extremists prior to their engagement in violence offline, but little is empirically known about their online presence generally or differences in their posting behaviors compared to their non-violent counterparts particularly. Even less is empirically known about their persisting and desisting posting patterns. This study drew from a unique sample of violent and non-violent right-wing extremists to examine online changes in posting patterns during the beginning, middle, and end of their observed posting activity. Here we identified persister and desister posters to create four sample groups: non-violent persisters, non-violent desisters, violent persisters, and violent desisters. We then calculated the average number of posts for each sample group as well as quantified the existence of extremist ideologies and violent extremist mobilization efforts across each observed posting period. Overall, we identified several noteworthy posting patterns that may assist law enforcement and intelligence agencies in identifying credible threats online. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the analysis, its limitations, and avenues for future research. Understanding Non-Radicalization: The role of offline and online protective factors Dr Kamil Yilmaz (Swansea University) Dr Joe Whittaker (Swansea University) [Co-authors: Dr Niyazi Ekici (Western Illinois University) & Dr Alper Sozer (Roger Williams University)] Abstract: This study explores how and why some individuals are resilient to radicalization, focusing on individuals who were labelled ‘terrorists’ for their alleged involvement or support for an attempted coup that took place in Turkey on July 15, 2016, yet who have shown no sign of violent radicalization since. Drawing from 15 interviews, it assesses the potential radicalization risk factors that the participants display and explores participants’ explanation for why they have not become radicalized. This may be the first study to tackle the notion of “non-radicalization”, informing the literature on resilience and protective factors towards larger populations.
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