The enduring role of ideology in terrorism and radicalisation
This research explores the role of ideology in radicalised individuals convicted of terrorism offences in the UK.
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The Commission for Countering Extremism commissioned Dr Donald Holbrook to examine a unique dataset consisting of 6,000 individual items of ‘mindset material’ found in the possession of 100 convicted terrorists in the UK.
The key findings include:
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ideology is indispensable in understanding why terrorists fight, what they hope to achieve, and what is permissible in their struggle
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terrorist leaders and those with influence over extremist movements are seeking to mobilise their constituents with messages of shared grievance, calls for united action, and promises of collective rewards and objectives
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the pathways to terrorism are complex, and each person’s journey is influenced by a unique combination of factors. However, ideology is not just a trigger for violence; instead, it provides a context that helps justify and guide individuals toward committing terrorist acts
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terrorism and the permissive environment that helps lead to acts of terror cannot be understood without reference to ideology. Counterterrorism and counterextremism policy within the UK and its underpinning practice must therefore be grounded in an understanding of ideology