The age of extremism: a crime script analysis of violent and nonviolent extremists according to age of first extremist act
Journal of Criminal Psychology
ISSN: 2009-3829
Article publication date: 11 December 2023
Issue publication date: 26 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare violent and non-violent extremists in terms of their age when they first perpetrate an extremist act, and to understand how this relates to other factors underlying extremist behaviours. While the end goal of many extremists may be functionally similar, the pathways into extremism vary, and the literature has demonstrated that a “one-size-fits-all” explanation does not exist. Motivational drivers are complex and dynamic; therefore, attempting to identify a terrorist “profile” has limited applied efficacy.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a temporal approach (“crime script analysis” or CSA) to identify, map and compare the sequential stages (or “scenes”) in the life histories of violent and non-violent extremists who have committed acts of extremism across different age groups. Crime scripts comprising mainly qualitative data for 40 male extremists (20 violent, 20 non-violent “cases”) were developed, and CSA was conducted according to the age at which they committed their first extremist offence.
Findings
Results demonstrated key temporal, developmental differences between the pathways of extremists who commit their first offence at different ages. One key difference was that for both the violent and non-violent extremists, those under 30 used the internet as a main means of joining networks and spreading information, whereas the over 30s made more personal, community links.
Originality/value
This research can aid identification of potential environmental triggers and potential increased susceptibility to triggers across certain age groups.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Since submission of this article, the following authors have updated their affiliations: Abbie Maroño is at Social-Engineer, LLC, Orlando, USA.
Content includes material subject to © Crown copyright (2023), Dstl. This material is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Citation
Knight, S., Maroño, A. and Keatley, D. (2024), "The age of extremism: a crime script analysis of violent and nonviolent extremists according to age of first extremist act", Journal of Criminal Psychology, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 157-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-05-2023-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited