The Phoenix Model of Disengagement and Deradicalisation from Terrorism and Violent Extremism

Abstract

Improving our understanding of how disengagement and deradicalisation from terrorism and violent extremism occurs has critical real-world implications. A systematic review of the recent literature in this area was conducted in order to develop a more refined and empirically-derived model of the processes involved. After screening more than 83,000 documents, we found 29 research reports which met the minimum quality thresholds. Thematic analysis identified key factors associated with disengagement and deradicalisation processes. Assessing the interactions of these factors produced the Phoenix Model of Disengagement and Deradicalisation which is described in this paper. Also examined are some of the potential policy and practice implications of the Phoenix Model, as are avenues for future research in this area.

The Narrative Foundations of Radical and Deradicalizing Online Discursive Spaces: A Comparison of the Cases of Generation Islam and Jamal al-Khatib in Germany

“…Baaken et al (2020), against the background of applied P/CVE work in Germany, present a novel approach which neatly conceptualizes "deradicalization". Along these lines, Silke et al (2021) clarify differences between disengagement and deradicalization and Johansson et al (2022) discuss evaluation processes in P/CVE work in multi-agency settings.…”

Editorial: “Make out that the fellow is insane”: reflections on mental illness and terrorism

“…This has been much less explored, but there are emerging findings that stress and burnout are two mental health issues frequently connected to disengagement and deradicalisation processes (e.g. Silke et al , 2021). Twenty-five years ago, I wrote about the enduring appeal of mental illness as a primary explanation for terrorism (Silke, 1998).…”