Dreams and disillusionment: engagement in and disengagement from militant extremist groups

Conceptualising ‘success’ with those convicted of terrorism offences: Aims, methods, and barriers to reintegration

“…Finally, the dynamic and varied reasons individuals become involved in militancy has been recognised as important in determining the most appropriate rehabilitative approach to take (Monahan, 2012). For example, those who appear more clearly motivated by a desire for group belonging, as opposed to those focused on promulgating a particular ideological position seem likely to need different approaches, something reflected in efforts to understand the range of 'types' of militant actor involved in political violence (Bjørgo, 2011).…”

The internal brakes on violent escalation: a typology

“…Construction of moral norms and evaluations that inhibit certain forms of violence and the emotional impulses towards violence (moral logic) Brake 2 works on moral logic or the 'logics of appropriateness' (Matesan, 2018, p. 6), relating to questions about whether it is right to use violence and if so under what conditions. Moral considerations can comprise a significant barrier to participation in violence (Fiske & Rai, 2015), and where moral brakes falter, this can form a source of discomfort, shame or remorse that might ultimately lead activists to disengage with the group (Bjørgo, 2011;Crenshaw, 1996;Simi & Windisch, 2018).…”

Ex-Pirates in Somalia: Processes of Engagement, Disengagement, and Reintegration

“…Other researchers point to the importance of disillusionment (Bjørgo 2011) and life-threatening episodes (Decker and Lauritsen 2002) as turning points. Individuals may leave voluntary, involuntary or something in between.…”

“…Disillusionment is a common cause for leaving criminal or extremist groups (Bjørgo 2011, Wright 1987. Unfulfilled economic expectations were among the push factors for disengagement for five of the informants.…”

“…This typically relates to unfulfilled expectations or fantasies about political or economic gains, friendship, social status, exciting experiences, etc. Different types of persons may have different drivers for joining and may also be disillusioned for different reasons (Bjørgo 2011). Some are mainly motivated by hopes for tangible political or economic gains, others by social benefits.…”