The role of vulnerable environments in support for homegrown terrorism: Fieldwork using the 3N model

Abstract

The 3N model of radicalization proposes that violent radicalization is the result of the contribution of needs, networks, and narratives. Although research has mainly been supportive of this perspective, a substantial amount of ground remains uncovered regarding the network component of the model. Within this framework, we examine why individuals living in certain social environments tend to harbor more positive attitudes toward homegrown terrorism than others. Building on prior research, we hypothesized that individuals living in social environments known to be vulnerable (vs. less vulnerable) are more likely to experience a sense of significance loss (i.e., lack of social integration, perceived conflicts between religious groups), find solace in religious social networks (i.e., mosques), and thus adhere to radical narratives (i.e., legitimization of terrorism). A study with 365 young Muslims from different cities in Spain (Almería, Barcelona, Ceuta, and Melilla)supported these predictions. Theoretical and practical implications for the study of violent extremism are discussed.

Preventing radicalization leading to violence: Insights from the significance quest theory and its 3N model

“…Finally, Lobato, Moyano, Bélanger, and Trujillo (2020) applied recommendations focus on preventing Muslims' radicalization through the monitoring of ideology transmission in mosques. Specifically, they suggest that prevention campaigns and programs should encourage reformist readings of the Qur'an (e.g., Islamic feminist perspective; Ghanem, 2017) and monitor imams (e.g., providing training programs).…”

“…Also on the primary level of prevention, the state interventions in mosques with reformist readings of the Qur'an and the monitoring of imams (e.g., through training programs) suggested by Lobato et al (2020) might be problematic 4 because they can stigmatize mosques (not all mosques are pools of recruitment) and Muslims (not all Muslims are at-risk of radicalization). Although the authors argue that similar interventions were already implemented in European countries apparently without negative outcomes, no empirical evaluation of these is provided.…”

Does cognitive inflexibility predict violent extremist behaviour intentions? A registered direct replication report of Zmigrod et al., 2019

“…variables that define the groups/settings/environments where individuals navigate their lives). Studies that investigated the 3N model (Kruglanski et al, 2019), despite not necessarily testing multi‐level models, provide examples for such work that considers, among others, the peer or social network in which individuals are embedded (Bélanger et al, 2020; Jasko et al, 2017; Lobato et al, 2021).…”

Why People Enter and Embrace Violent Groups

“…In line with the foregoing reasoning, the 3N model (Kruglanski et al, 2018;Bélanger et al, 2019;Lobato et al, 2020) identifies three general drivers of joining violent groups: need, narrative and network. According to this perspective, group membership can satisfy basic needs such as the need to feel valued and to be respected by others (Kruglanski et al, 2018).…”