Redefining Extremism

Extremism encompasses three dimensions: ideology, mindset, and behavior, each contributing to the formation of individuals who adopt extreme views. The troubling aspect of contemporary extremism is that those who align with violent ideologies, such as white supremacists and Islamist extremists, often express all three traits. Understanding extremism requires examining the unique backgrounds of individuals, such as those who have moved away from extremist families, and the socio-cultural factors that influenced their disavowal of these beliefs. By studying these cases, one can gain insights into the complexities of radicalization and the potential pathways for exit from extremist ideologies.