Why Youth Radicalisation Doesn’t Start With Ideology

Adapted from: Barracosa, S., & Cherney, A. (2025). An integrated model for youth radicalisation: examining the impact of life-course and situational factors. Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression. Taylor & Francis.

When a young person becomes radicalised, the question we tend to ask is, what ideology captured them? This inquiry often leads to a narrow examination of the beliefs or doctrines that may have influenced their shift in perspective. However, a more revealing and insightful question is, what was happening in their life when that ideology became appealing? This second question opens the door to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors that contribute to radicalisation, allowing us to explore the personal, social, and psychological contexts in which these ideologies take root.

Youth radicalisation rarely emerges from a single moment of exposure or persuasion. Instead, it unfolds gradually, shaped by an interplay of developmental history, emotional needs, and the social environments that young people navigate. Factors such as family dynamics, peer relationships, socioeconomic status, and exposure to violence or discrimination can all play significant roles in this transformative process. Understanding this intricate journey requires shifting attention away from ideology alone and toward how identity, morality, and belonging develop under pressure.

In many cases, young individuals may face feelings of alienation or disenfranchisement, which can create a fertile ground for radical ideas to take hold. These feelings might stem from a lack of acceptance in their immediate social circles, struggles with self-identity, or experiences of marginalisation within broader society. As they grapple with these challenges, they may seek out communities or movements that promise a sense of belonging, purpose, and validation. The appeal of radical ideologies often lies not just in their content, but in the emotional and psychological relief they offer to those who feel lost or unsupported.

Moreover, the process of radicalisation can be influenced by critical life events or transitions, such as moving to a new area, experiencing a personal loss, or encountering injustices. During these pivotal moments, young people may become particularly vulnerable to the allure of ideologies that provide clear narratives or solutions to their struggles. This highlights the importance of understanding the timing and context of radicalisation, as well as the specific vulnerabilities that individuals may face at different stages of their lives.

Ultimately, addressing youth radicalisation effectively requires a comprehensive approach that considers the broader social and psychological landscapes in which young people operate. By focusing on the developmental trajectories of identity formation, moral reasoning, and the quest for belonging, we can gain valuable insights into the factors that lead to radicalisation. This understanding can inform more effective prevention strategies that not only counteract harmful ideologies but also foster resilience, community engagement, and positive identity development among youth.

Adolescence Is a Window of Vulnerability

Adolescence is not merely a younger version of adulthood; it represents a distinct developmental phase that is rich with complexity and marked by significant psychological and emotional changes. This period is characterised by emotional volatility, where feelings can fluctuate dramatically from one moment to the next, often influenced by social interactions and peer relationships. Identity exploration is a central theme during adolescence, as young individuals grapple with questions about who they are and who they want to become. This quest for self-understanding is accompanied by a heightened sensitivity to concepts of fairness, belonging, and justice, which can deeply affect their emotional well-being.

During this critical developmental stage, adolescents are actively engaged in constructing their moral frameworks and seeking meaning in their lives. They begin to question established norms and values, often testing boundaries as they strive to establish their own beliefs. However, it is important to note that their impulse control and emotional regulation are still in the process of maturing, which can lead to impulsive decisions and emotional reactions that may not always align with their developing sense of self.

In this context, experiences of rejection, humiliation, or exclusion can be particularly overwhelming and can have lasting effects on a young person's psyche. The emotional pain associated with these experiences can lead to a search for narratives that provide certainty, moral clarity, and a sense of purpose. These narratives are appealing not necessarily because of their extreme or radical nature, but because they offer resolutions to the internal confusion and turmoil that adolescents often experience. In a world that feels chaotic and unpredictable, such narratives can provide a semblance of understanding and direction - it's not me, it's them.

Radical belief systems often succeed not through coercion or forceful indoctrination, but by effectively addressing unmet developmental needs. They can fill the void left by a lack of stable support systems, offering a sense of belonging and identity that may be missing from the adolescent's life. By appealing to the emotional and psychological vulnerabilities of young people, these systems can draw them in, providing a community and a cause that resonates with their search for meaning.

Early Experiences Shape Later Susceptibility

The formative experiences of young people play a crucial role in shaping their perceptions and responses to the world around them.

Young individuals who grow up in contexts characterised by disrupted attachments, chronic family conflict, or unaddressed trauma may find it particularly challenging to develop a stable sense of self or a feeling of belonging. These early experiences can leave deep psychological scars that influence their emotional development and worldview.

It is essential to recognise though that early adversity does not directly cause radicalisation; rather, it shapes how young people interpret threats, perceive injustice, and understand concepts of loyalty. The urgency with which they seek structure and meaning elsewhere can be directly influenced by their past experiences. Those who have faced significant emotional challenges may be more susceptible to ideologies that offer clear answers and a sense of belonging, filling the void left by previous experiences of instability and disconnection. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for addressing the root causes of radicalisation and supporting young people in their search for identity and meaning.

When traditional sources of safety, support, and identity are weak or inconsistent, the pull toward alternative frameworks and ideologies becomes stronger.

The Importance of Context

Life history alone does not explain why radicalisation intensifies at a particular moment. What matters just as much is context. The environment surrounding an individual plays a critical role in shaping their thoughts, feelings, and ultimately their actions. It is within this framework that we can better understand the complex interplay between personal experiences and the broader societal influences that contribute to radicalisation.

Periods of stress or social transition, such as school exclusion, bullying, unemployment, social isolation, or identity crises, frequently serve as catalysts, initiating a range of emotional reactions that may steer a young person toward a radical direction. These transitional moments can create a heightened sense of vulnerability, where feelings of rejection, confusion, and anger become more pronounced. At the same time, these situations frequently coincide with a decrease in protective supervision and support from family, friends, or community structures, leaving individuals feeling isolated and desperate for belonging.

In this context, digital environments frequently play a central role in the radicalisation process. Online spaces can validate grievances that individuals may feel, providing a sense of community and understanding that they may lack in their immediate surroundings. These platforms often normalise moral disengagement, framing violence as justified or even redemptive, which can be particularly appealing to those who feel disenfranchised. Importantly, these digital environments rarely introduce radical ideas out of nowhere; rather, they serve to reinforce beliefs that already resonate emotionally with the individual. This reinforcement can create an echo chamber where radical thoughts are amplified and become increasingly entrenched.

Furthermore, radical behaviour emerges when a young person’s developing moral framework collides with dominant social norms, particularly when they are embedded in settings that reward that collision. For example, if a youth is surrounded by peers who glorify extremist ideologies or engage in violent actions, the individual may begin to see such behaviours as not only acceptable but as a means of gaining respect and validation. This dynamic creates an environment where radicalisation can flourish, as the individual seeks to align their identity with the values and beliefs of their peers, often at the expense of previously held moral convictions.

Radicalisation Is Gradual and Cumulative

One of the most persistent myths about youth radicalisation is that it happens suddenly, as if there is a singular moment of transformation that propels an individual into extremism. In reality, it is a much more complex process of moral learning and drift. Young people do not wake up one day committed to extremist beliefs; rather, they move there incrementally, absorbing justifications for radical thoughts, normalising hostility towards perceived enemies. Reinforcing their identity through repeated exposure to radical narratives and a sense of belonging within a like-minded community.

Each step along this path may feel reasonable in isolation, often framed by the individual’s unique experiences and the context in which they find themselves. For instance, a young person may initially engage with radical content out of curiosity or a desire to understand a particular social issue. However, as they continue to consume this content, they may begin to adopt more extreme viewpoints, viewing them as logical conclusions to the injustices they perceive. Over time, those steps accumulate into a rigid worldview that feels coherent, necessary, and morally defensible, even if it appears extreme from an outside perspective.

By the time beliefs appear extreme from the outside, they often feel deeply logical from within. This internal logic can create a powerful sense of certainty and purpose, making it difficult for the individual to reconsider their views. The gradual nature of radicalisation underscores the importance of early intervention and support, as recognising and addressing the underlying vulnerabilities and contextual factors can help prevent the incremental steps towards extremism before they solidify into a rigid belief system. Understanding this process is crucial for developing effective strategies to counter radicalisation and support at-risk youth.

Turning Points Can Change the Path

Despite its cumulative nature, youth radicalisation is not irreversible. This phenomenon, while complex and multifaceted, can be influenced by various external factors and personal experiences that serve as critical turning points in a young person's life.

Moments of connection can interrupt the trajectory of radicalisation, providing opportunities for change and growth. Supportive mentors who take the time to understand and connect with youths can create a safe space for dialogue and reflection. These mentors can be teachers, community leaders, or even peers who have successfully navigated similar challenges. Additionally, meaningful work that engages young individuals in productive and fulfilling activities can redirect their focus and energy towards positive outcomes. Such work can instil a sense of purpose and accomplishment that is often missing in the lives of those who feel marginalised or disenfranchised.

Stable relationships, whether with family members, friends, or community members, play a pivotal role in offering emotional support and a sense of belonging. When young people feel valued and connected to others, they are less likely to seek out extremist ideologies as a means of identity formation. Furthermore, inclusive communities that celebrate diversity and provide a sense of belonging can act as protective factors against radicalisation. These environments foster understanding and acceptance, allowing individuals to explore their identities without resorting to extremist beliefs.

These experiences do not directly challenge beliefs; instead, they reduce the psychological need those beliefs once served. By fulfilling the emotional and social needs that radical ideologies often exploit, supportive relationships and environments can diminish the allure of extremist narratives. Disengagement happens when young people can imagine a future that offers dignity, purpose, and belonging outside extremist identities. This vision of a hopeful future is crucial for steering individuals away from paths of violence and hatred.

This is why confrontation alone rarely works, and why relationship-based interventions matter. Engaging young people in meaningful conversations and fostering trust can lead to transformative changes in their perspectives and choices.

Rethinking Prevention and Intervention

If youth radicalisation is developmental and contextual, then prevention must be as well. Recognising that radicalisation is not simply a result of ideology but is deeply intertwined with personal circumstances allows us to tailor our approaches to be more effective.

Early intervention matters, particularly in addressing family instability, trauma, and school disengagement. These factors can create fertile ground for radicalisation to take root. But timing also matters. Support is most effective during periods of transition and stress, such as adolescence or significant life changes, when young people are actively searching for meaning and direction in their lives. Interventions during these critical junctures can help to steer them towards healthier pathways.

Programs that focus solely on ideology miss the deeper work required. Supporting identity development, moral reasoning, emotional regulation, and resilience is not peripheral, it is central. By equipping young people with the skills to navigate their emotions and the complexities of the digital landscape, we can empower them to resist radicalisation. These skills help individuals critically assess information, engage in constructive dialogue, and develop a strong sense of self that is resilient to extremist influences.

Most importantly, punitive responses risk reinforcing the very dynamics that fuel radicalisation. When young people are met with harsh consequences rather than understanding and support, it can lead to further alienation and a deeper entrenchment in extremist ideologies. Supportive, developmentally informed interventions are not lenient; they are psychologically grounded. They acknowledge the struggles that young people face and offer constructive pathways towards healing and reintegration into society.

A Human Process, Not an Ideological Anomaly

Youth radicalisation is not a random event or a single choice. It is a human process shaped by development, context, and opportunity. Understanding this process requires us to look beyond surface-level beliefs and delve into the underlying motivations and circumstances that lead to radicalisation.

When we stop focusing on what young people believe and begin by asking what they are trying to resolve, we gain a clearer picture of both risk and possibility. This shift in perspective allows us to identify the root causes of radicalisation and address them effectively. It encourages a more compassionate approach, recognising that young people often turn to extremism as a misguided attempt to find answers to complex questions about identity, belonging, and purpose.

And in that shift, we move closer to prevention that is not only effective, but humane. By fostering understanding and connection, we can create a supportive environment that encourages young people to explore their identities in constructive ways, ultimately steering them away from the path of radicalisation and towards a future filled with hope and opportunity.

Stage	Life-Course Factors	Situational Triggers	Outcomes
1. Early Risk Exposure	Family conflict, neglect, trauma	Limited supervision, deviant peers	Social alienation
2. Identity Formation	Search for belonging	Exposure to extremist moral contexts	Adoption of radical beliefs
3. Cognitive Consolidation	Rigid worldviews, moral disengagement	Reinforcement via online or in-group networks	Potential justification of violence
4. Intervention Opportunity	Supportive mentors, social reintegration	Positive environments	Deradicalization or disengagement

Proposed Model: The Integrated Youth Radicalisation Framework