Peripheral and embedded: relational patterns of lone-actor terrorist radicalization

Abstract

This is the accepted manuscript (post-print version) of the article.Contentwise, the post-print version is identical to the final published version, but there may be differences in typography and layout.

Onlife Extremism: Dynamic Integration of Digital and Physical Spaces in Radicalization

“…However, a deeper inspection reveals that this is seldom the case. In a recent study, Lindekilde et al (2019) contend that, often, these supposedly under-the-radar actors display their "leakage behavior" through the establishment, and maintenance, of interpersonal bonds with leaders, peers and, sometimes, co-conspirators. The magnitude of these relationships (or alternatively the degree of loneness) might change on a situational basis: pockets of individuals may engage only in intermittent peripheral contact, while others may showcase a higher degree of embeddedness within extremist circles.…”

Either or? Reconciling Findings on Mental Health and Extremism using a Dimensional Rather than Categorical Paradigm

“…Lone‐actor extremists are often characterized by behavior somewhere along the spectrum from adaptive to maladaptive functioning and differ in terms of situational restraints and triggers. While some lone‐actor extremists integrate fully into larger radical groups or movements before engaging in their own violent projects, others remain at the periphery of the radical groups or criminal networks they come into contact with . It is particularly within this latter group of lone‐actor extremists that evidence of maladaptive functioning is to be found.…”

“…Recent qualitative research on lone‐actor radicalization suggests that pathways of radicalization of lone‐actor extremists can be clustered into two main types— embedded and peripheral . The main distinction between these two pathways is the degree to which the lone‐actor is integrated into radical groups prior to engaging in lone violent action.…”

“…They do so for a variety of reasons. Chief among these are clinical mental health illness and subclinical, but problematic behavioral traits, which result in maladaptive functioning in social contexts . The pattern of peripheral lone‐actor radicalization is one of conflictual social interaction, rejection, and marginalization, which leads to further social self‐isolation .…”

“…Where a lone attack is often a strategic choice among embedded lone actors, it is the only option for peripheral lone‐actor extremists. Clinical and subclinical mental illness, such as narcissistic tendencies, psychopathic traits, uncontrolled aggression, severe introversion or apathy seem to cause maladaptive social functioning in peripheral lone actors who display erratic, aggressive, or dominant behavior, which lead radical groups to reject them (; see also 2: 30). The peripheral pathway of lone‐actor radicalization has a volatile or circular logic to it, where the individual, because of maladaptive behavior, flitter between social contexts—some being radical, some criminal/gang‐related, some religious and other characterized by a hedonistic lifestyle, including alcohol and substance abuse.…”