Leiden University Student Repository

Voorhuis, Sebastian (2021)

Historico-cultural perceptions of the out-group in the process of radicalization towards violent extremism: An explorative research

Bachelor thesis | Security Studies (BSc)

Radicalization and extremism are wicked processes consisting of a variety of influential elements. Rooted in the construction of identity, the aim of this research is to explore the manner in which cultural identity and history function as influential determinants in the path of radicalization to violent extremism across different contexts. Through a thematic analysis of autobiographies from a former loyalist, and Islamic and right-wing extremists, the findings reveal the importance of historico-cultural perceptions between in-groups and out-groups in the context of radicalization and extremism. The implications of the findings to counter-terrorism research and policy are discussed.

cultural identity

perceptions

in-group

out-group

radicalization

extremism

Author

Voorhuis, Sebastian

Faculty

Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs

Supervisors

Carthy, S.L.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en