Radicalization is a process that leads to a person increasingly accepting the use of violent or other unlawful means to achieve certain political or religious goals.

Radicalization is a process that leads to a person increasingly accepting the use of violent or other unlawful means to achieve certain political or religious goals.

What characterizes radicalization?

Radicalization is typically demonstrated in the following ways:

  • A person accepts extremist ideas and methods and eventually endorses a particular organized group
  • An intensive socialization occurs, a process of brainwashing involving sharper rhetoric in closed groups
  • The individual distances him- or herself from his or her normal communities outside the group, for example discarding friends and leisure activities
  • It is often seen that the individual cuts off previous ties to family, friends, etc. In addition, there is a "dehumanizing" where those who are perceived as enemies are no longer perceived as human beings.

What characterizes extremism?

Violent extremism is the use of violent or other unlawful means to achieve certain political or religious goals.

Extremist environments can, among other things, be characterized by:

  • Simplified worldviews and pictures of ‘the enemy’, where certain groups or societal norms are seen as threatening
  • Lack of respect for other people's freedom and rights
  • The desire to create a more "orderly", "clean" or "fair" society - if necessary by undemocratic means
  • Intolerance of others' views and opinions
  • Threats, harassment, vandalism, violence or terrorism are regarded as legitimate means to deal with the social conditions that the individual is dissatisfied with.

What characterizes terrorism?

Terrorism is a violation of national legislation that is committed with the aim of:

  • Severely intimidating a population, or
  • Seriously destabilizing or destroying a country's fundamental political, constitutional or economic structures.