November 07, 2014

How to de-radicalise a jihadist

editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

Reuters has published a fascinating piece titled, 'The 3-step guide to de-radicalizing jihadists' which charts how a psychological approach can be used to re-mould people's attitudes away from extremist views.

The piece, by Arie W. Kruglanski, covers the three Ns: need, narrative and network, taken from successful de-radicalisation programs in Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

The first step, he writes, is to recognise the needs of the jihadists. "Often we only see what we want to see and believe what we want to believe. Valid arguments, however strong, are can be utterly unpersuasive if they run counter to our needs."

"The second step is to devise a narrative that acknowledges a person’s need for relevance and respect and provides a nonviolent means to address that need," writes Kruglanski. "That is why current de-radicalization programs in Muslim countries, or countries with significant Muslim populations, employ much more than theological arguments against violence."

De-radicalisation programs have address the need for significance in one's life by providing detainees with education opportunities, jobs and sometimes even wives.

"People’s attitudes and beliefs are firmly anchored in the shared reality of their group," explains Kruglanski. Which is why the third step is to recognise the importance of an individual's social network.

"Radicalization occurs in a social context that is shaped by family, friends and charismatic leaders. De-radicalization cannot take place in a social vacuum, either."

With thousands of militants currently detained in prisons around the world and thousands more being enlisted by the likes of the Islamic State, it is crucial that we find a workable solution - in the piece Kruglanski references Mitt Romney's quip that governments can't “kill our way out of this mess".

Kruglanski summarises: "De-radicalization of militants is a global imperative that merits our utmost diligence and commitment. It is the quintessential challenge for our time."