The Three Pillars of Radicalization: Needs, Narratives, and Networks

Arie W Kruglanski, Jocelyn J. Bélanger, and Rohan Gunaratna

What fuels radicalization? Is deradicalization a possibility? The Three Pillars of Radicalization: Needs, Narratives, and Networks addresses these crucial questions by identifying the three major determinants of radicalization that progresses into violent extremism. The first determinant is the need: individuals' universal desire for personal significance. The second determinant is narrative, which guides members in their "quest for significance." The third determinant is the network, or membership in one's group that validates the collective narrative and dispenses rewards, respect and veneration to members who implement it.

The authors present a new model of radicalization which will only become more relevant as communities continue to negotiate the threat of extremism.

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Praise for The Three Pillars of Radicalization

“This impressive co-authored study presents a novel approach to analyzing processes of radicalization and de-radicalization as well as the prevention of recidivism. The explanation combines individual motivation based on a need for significance, exposure to an ideological narrative that justifies violence, and membership in a supportive social network that validates the individual’s choice. The authors ground their argument in wide-ranging evidence from questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. The book contributes enormously to our understanding of violent extremism in the contemporary world.”

— Martha Crenshaw, Ph.D, Professor, and Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University