This study focuses on the effects of ostracism on party discourse. By examining whether the rhetoric of radical right parties about ‘others’ (i.e., referring to democracy, its institutions and...Show moreThis study focuses on the effects of ostracism on party discourse. By examining whether the rhetoric of radical right parties about ‘others’ (i.e., referring to democracy, its institutions and political parties) has changed after an experience of exclusion, this study aims to determine whether the discourse tends to radicalise or moderate. A qualitative content analysis of 1,000 tweets from two excluded radical right parties in the Netherlands - the PVV (Party for Freedom) and FVD (Forum for Democracy) - and their front men in different periods has shown that their discourse became more radical after their exclusion from coalition negotiations. In addition, the results indicate that the measured effects are more pronounced with the first exclusion than with a subsequent exclusion.Show less
Academics have proposed many theories and factors that could possibly influence radicalisation. This research explores the influence of group cohesion on violent and non-violent radicalisation...Show moreAcademics have proposed many theories and factors that could possibly influence radicalisation. This research explores the influence of group cohesion on violent and non-violent radicalisation trajectories. Qualitative thematic analysis is used to analyse four primary sources, in the form of autobiographies, of ex radicalised Muslims. The findings of this research suggest that a strong cohesion between group members can reinforce radicalisation. The importance of status, peer pressure, loyalty towards group members, and friendships and mentors are aspects of strong group cohesion that can reinforce or accelerate radicalisation processes. In addition, the findings suggest that trust in other group members can influence the trajectories of radicals. It could be concluded that it is feasible to further study the influence of group cohesion. Further research should conduct qualitative interviews with radicals in order to provide a more in-depth understanding of the salience of group cohesion on radicalisation trajectories.Show less
Research into the reasons for radicalisation is central to understanding violent extremist attacks in the twenty-first century. As a new wave of extremism emerges, right-wing extremism, so too has...Show moreResearch into the reasons for radicalisation is central to understanding violent extremist attacks in the twenty-first century. As a new wave of extremism emerges, right-wing extremism, so too has a new population of radicalised individuals. By using thematic analysis, and guided by relative deprivation theory, this research explores the reasons behind the radicalisation of six violent right-wing males. The findings of the research indicate three main themes of deprivation suffered by the subjects. Namely, ‘economic suffering because of minority groups’, ‘feelings of social isolation because of alternative beliefs’ and ‘political suppression and exclusion because of minority groups demonstrating political power’. Considering these findings, practical and political interventions can be implemented to prevent vulnerable individuals, who are susceptible to relative deprivation, from being radicalised, in turn preventing right-wing extremist attacks from manifestation.Show less
Ever since the start of the war on terror, governments worldwide have struggled with countering the narratives that are spread by violent extremist organisations. Recent academic research has...Show moreEver since the start of the war on terror, governments worldwide have struggled with countering the narratives that are spread by violent extremist organisations. Recent academic research has produced several prescriptions that indicate what aspects potentially successful counter-narrative, alternative narrative and government strategic communications programmes need to possess. Testing the scholarly recommendations on target audience, message, messenger and medium to the actual policies of Malaysia and Indonesia, it becomes apparent that the policies of both states are partially congruent with the dominant ideas in the literature. However, what both Malaysia and Indonesia lack is a clear delineation of target audiences based on level of radicalisation, the provision of alternative things to do to complement their alternative narrative programmes and a comprehensive strategy to combine online and offline measures to achieve the most sustainable effect. Still, when comparing the respective policies of the two states, it must be noted that Malaysia is more congruent with the scholarly prescriptions than Indonesia. The most important differences between the two states are that the Malaysian authorities showcase a more sophisticated awareness and application of the relevant academic definitions and take a rather comprehensive approach to providing government strategic communications, the latter of which is practically lacking in the case of Indonesia.Show less
This thesis explores theory surrounding violence and its justification. Drawing upon key literature, it explores the radicalisation of social movements and the notion of state terror in order to...Show moreThis thesis explores theory surrounding violence and its justification. Drawing upon key literature, it explores the radicalisation of social movements and the notion of state terror in order to understand common motivations behind violent action. The case study of the civil war in Peru in the 1980s is used to illustrate these concepts. An analysis is given of the principal justifications used by actors in the war to explain their use of violence.Show less
