Juvenile Radicalization Into Violent Extremism: Investigative and Research Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Security Studies
• Criminology
• Political Science

Background:

• Following the 9/11 attacks, Western nations prioritized terrorism as a major security concern.
• Initially, violent extremism was primarily perceived as an external threat, involving foreign-born or traveled individuals.
• Recent trends indicate a heightened focus on threats originating from within the target country's population.

Discussion:

• The concept of "homegrown violent extremism" (HVE) addresses threats posed by individuals born or long-term residents of the target nation.
• This evolving perception necessitates a re-evaluation of counter-terrorism strategies and intelligence gathering.
• Understanding the socio-political factors contributing to HVE is crucial for effective prevention.

Key Insights:

• A significant shift in the perception of terrorism threats has occurred in Western countries.
• Homegrown violent extremism (HVE) is now a prominent focus in national security discussions.
• The distinction between external and internal sources of extremism is becoming increasingly blurred.

Outlook:

• Future research should explore the root causes and contributing factors of HVE.
• Developing effective counter-HVE strategies requires a nuanced understanding of both external and internal threat dynamics.
• Continued monitoring and analysis of extremist ideologies and networks, both domestic and international, remain essential.