Question the Source: Understanding Radicalization Requires Expertise

Skepticism about journalistic credibility reveals the importance of qualifications in discussing complex issues like radicalization. Evaluating sources is crucial, especially when assessing the narratives of right-wing conspiracies and American extremism. The staircase model, taught at institutions like the CIA, provides a structured understanding of the radicalization process, as detailed in the US Department of Justice's resources. It emphasizes that radicalization is a sophisticated and layered process, necessitating insights from well-informed practitioners rather than uninformed opinions.