CORE LIBRARY REPORT
Often, researchers focus upon negative traits that propel individuals towards extremist beliefs and networks, such as poverty or poor mental health. However, often people involved in extremist movements find a sense of empowerment, status and excitement through their engagement in extremism. Shared intense ‘peak’ experiences can bring about feelings of elitism and group bonding, and for some, the prospect of violence is a potent draw into radical groups. This report outlines the ways in which belonging to extremist groups can provide a sense of excitement and power – and suggests how these experiences can be felt through legitimate means. This report describes the positive factors drawing individuals into extremist movements, and outlines ways to meet people’s drive for engagement, involvement, excitement and status in pro-social ways.