What are the main criticisms of radicalisation as an explanation for terrorism? Argue with reference to specific examples of individuals who are described as being radicalised.
Essay for course “Terrorism in a Globalising World” Understanding the politics of radicalisation and counter-radicalisation 1. What is radicalisation? 2. What are the main criticisms of radicalisation as an explanation for terrorism? Argue with reference to specific examples of individuals who are described as being radicalised. A coherent answer to the question displaying a solid knowledge of the subject and core readings; critical skills and a developed analysis; sound documentation of sources. List of references: King, Michael, Taylor, Donald, ‘The Radicalization of Homegrown Jihadists: A Review of Theoretical Models and Social Psychological Evidence’, Terrorism and Political Violence, Vol.23, Issue.4, (2011), pp. 602-622 Kundnani, A, ‘Radicalisation: The Journey of a Concept’, in Counter Radicalisation: Critical Perspectives, eds by Chris Baker-Beall, Charlotte Heath-Kelly and Lee Jarvis, (Abingdon: Routledge, 2014) MacCauley, Clark and Moskaleno, Sophie, ‘Mechanisms of Political Radicalization: Pathways Toward Terrorism’, Terrorism and Political Violence, Vol.20, Issue.3, (2008), pp.415-433 Neumann, Peter, ‘The Trouble with Radicalization’, International Affairs, Vol.89, Issue.4, (2013), pp.873-893 Richards, Anthony, ‘The Problem with Radicalization’: the remit of ‘Prevent’ and the need to refocus on terrorism in the UK’, International Affairs, Vol.86, Issue.1, (2010), pp.143-152 Sedgwick, Mark, ‘The Concept of Radicalization as a Source of Confusion’, Terrorism and Political Violence, Vol.22, Issue.4, (2010), pp.479-494 Githens-Mazer, Lambert, Robert, ‘Why Conventional Wisdom on Radicalization Fails: the Persistence of a Failed Discourse’, International Affairs, Vol.86, Issue.4, (2010), pp.889-901 HM Government, ‘The Prevent Strategy’, (London: HMSO, 2011), pp.13-23 Rahimullah, Riyad Hosain, Larmar, Stephen, Abdalla, Mohamad, ‘Understanding Violent Radicalization Among Muslims: a Review of the Literature’, Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Vol.1, Issues.1, (2013), pp.19-35 Ranstorp, Magnus, ‘Introduction: Understanding Radicalisation as a Process’, in Understanding Violent Radicalisation: Terrorist and Jihadist Movements in Europe, eds by Magnus Ranstorp, (Abingdon: Routledge, 2010), pp.1-20