The Attitudes-Behaviors Corrective (ABC) Model of Violent Extremism
18 February 2020
Details
Authors: James Khalil, John Horgan & Martine Zeuthen
Date of Publication: 18/12/2019
Journal / Publisher: Terrorism and Political Violence
Purpose of the study
Key questions
The study addresses reviews some of the existing models showing pathways to violent extremism and suggests a new model which shows where an individual is on their journey through radicalisation. They consider that Violent Extremists and Extremists should be considered as undergoing separate pathways and that only a limited number of extremists commit extremist violence.
Design of the study
Approach
The approach is a combination of theoretical (model based) and uses case studies and questions definitions. The case studies cover Islamic Extremism, Republican Terrorism.
Topic
Mobilisation to Violence
Key recommendations
The study recommends that it is better to ‘de-couple’ the pathways of non-violent and violent extremists due to the fact that very few extremists actually commit violent acts.
Reviewer's Notes
Many studies and commentators note that only a small number of extremists commit violence, but non-violent extremists can contribute to that violence in other ways, such as:
Fundraising
Recruiting
Providing encouragement validating and/or glorifying the actions of violent extremists.
Providing logistical support e.g. safe houses, acting as couriers/messengers.