Subcultures are key to combating extremism

Subject

Examination of online radicalisation processes.

Significance

The threat of terrorist attacks and violence from both foreign and domestic groups presents one of the greatest public policy challenges to date. The internet may be a pivotal source in propelling individuals to engage in violence because they can access ideological belief systems confirming their own from anywhere at any time.

Impacts

• The internet will facilitate remote 'enculturation' into extremist groups.
• The use of violence is still relatively rare compared to the large number of people who may be exposed to radical messaging.
• More research is needed to understand what drives the small proportion of individuals to actually engage in violence.