This brief summarizes research findings on the role of social networks in domestic radicalization.
This publication summarizes research on the role of social networks in domestic radicalization, including findings of studies funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This research provides important insights into how social networks may either facilitate or prevent radicalization processes and disengagement efforts. Research on radicalization risks and processes consistently points to the importance of social networks and interpersonal relationships in motivating toward or protecting against individual radicalization. It is critical to interrupt the radicalization process before people’s ideologies manifest into violence. Radicalization is an inherently social process, even among so-called lone actors. Research on radicalization risks and processes consistently points to the importance of social networks and interpersonal relationships in motivating toward or protecting against individual radicalization. Studies have also found that it is important to interrupt the radicalization process before people’s ideologies manifest into violence, and that radicalization is an inherently social process, even among so-called lone actors. Additionally, research has found that family connections are not necessarily a reliable safeguard against radicalization, and that peers have a meaningful influence on pathways both into and out of radicalization. Finally, studies have found that the impact of social networks on both radicalization and disengagement varies.