Why do some people become violent extremists?

What has emerged from research is that there is no one factor that makes a young person vulnerable to becoming involved in extremism or adopting an extremist ideology, it is rather a combination of different influences and experiences. The list below is drawn from a number of different sources and is by no means comprehensive.

• The need for answers to questions of identity, faith and belonging
• Seeking adventure and excitement
• The need to enhance self esteem or promote ‘street cred’
• Identification with a charismatic individual or becoming involved in a group which offers identity, a social network and support
• A perception of social isolation, poverty and lack of opportunity
• Un- or underemployment
• A sense of grievance (e.g. against foreign policy, or after experiences of racism and discrimination)
• The need for mental/intellectual rigour is seen to be fulfilled
• Fascination with rite of passage, fighting for a cause, rebellion
• The ‘attractive’ nature of the imagery of the freedom fighter or the ‘cult’ of the martyr
• A personal crisis, especially where this involves significant tensions in a family which produces a sense of isolation from the traditional certainties of family life
• The need for protection
• The need for family or father substitute

Many of these factors are shared between those who have become involved in Al Qaida-associated violent extremism, and those associated with racist or far right groups. More information can be found in the Learning together to be safe toolkit – details of how to access this is included in the Further Resources section of this resource site.