The Confluence
Student Type
Undergraduate
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This article explores how ordinary people can be pulled into extremist movements and what psychological forces drive that process. It looks at three perspectives: social identity theory, which explains how group belonging shapes behavior, identity development, which shows how people searching for meaning may find it in extremist causes; and social neuroscience, which connects radicalization to brain activity linked to fear, loyalty, and moral judgement. Together, these approaches show that radicalization is not simply about ideology but about identity, emotion, and belonging. By understanding these dynamics, we can find better ways to prevent extremism and promote healthier, more inclusive communities.
Recommended Citation
Morales, María Paula
(2026)
"The Making of an Extremist: How Do We Become Someone Else’s Nightmare?,"
The Confluence: Vol. 4:
Iss.
3, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2150-2633.1093
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theconfluence/vol4/iss3/5
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Date
October 1st, 2025
Included in
Arts and Humanities Commons, Business Commons, Computer Sciences Commons, Defense and Security Studies Commons, Education Commons, International Relations Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Neurosciences Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Terrorism Studies Commons
Author Bio
María Paula is an undergraduate student at Lindenwood University, pursuing a degree in International Relations and Political Science with a Pre-Law Emphasis. Her academic interests include global security, cybersecurity policy, and the intersection of governance and technology. She is passionate about cross-cultural understanding and hopes to pursue graduate studies in intelligence analysis and global security.