Social Identity and Radicalisation: A Review of Key Concepts

The growth of violent extremist groups in the West Asia - North Africa (WANA) region has impelled academic and policy interest in radicalisation pathways and their drivers. But while radicalisation models usually incorporate identity-related factors, identity itself is rarely a central focus. To fill this gap, this literature review examines a specific area of social psychology – Social Identity Theory (SIT) – to explain how identity and related nuances of group membership, depersonalisation, and self-esteem, can operate to transform individuals into radicals.

This publication is generously supported with funds on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.