What the study found
Radicalization pathways varied across the groups studied, and the authors report that loss of significance, extremist narratives, networks, and identity fusion were significantly correlated with activism and radicalism intentions. The study also found that different groups showed distinct narrative patterns and routes toward radicalization.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that a more nuanced understanding of radicalization and the narratives that legitimize violent actions can support tailored, evidence-based counter-radicalization programs sensitive to group-specific dynamics. The study suggests that recognizing differences between groups may help inform targeted counter-radicalization strategies.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a mixed-methods design based on the 3N Model of Radicalization and Identity Fusion Theory. They studied 41 convicted terrorists in Indonesia, almost all male, affiliated with Negara Islam Indonesia (NII), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), using quantitative analysis and qualitative thematic analysis.
What worked and what didn't
Quantitative results showed significant correlations between loss of significance, extremist narratives, networks, identity fusion with group, leader, and ideology, and activism and radicalism intentions. Qualitative analysis found that JI members were older, more educated, and motivated by collective grievances and ideology with less violent narratives, while JAD and NII members often had personal crises linked to a quest for significance and more violent adherence to Takfiri narratives. The authors also describe different group pathways: JAD favoring rapid recruitment via social media, JI emphasizing long-term ideological dissemination, and NII relying on passive indoctrination.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond the study's specific sample of 41 convicted terrorists in Indonesia. The findings are limited to the groups and participants studied and should not be treated as covering all forms of radicalization.
Key points
- The study found that radicalization pathways differed across the groups studied in Indonesia.
- Loss of significance, extremist narratives, networks, and identity fusion were significantly correlated with activism and radicalism intentions.
- JI members were described as older, more educated, and more motivated by collective grievances and ideology, with less violent narratives.
- JAD and NII members were often linked to personal crises and a quest for significance, along with more violent Takfiri narratives.
- The authors describe different group-specific pathways, including social media recruitment for JAD, ideological dissemination for JI, and passive indoctrination for NII.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Radicalization pathways differed across convicted terrorist groups in Indonesia
- Authors:
- Norberta Fauko Firdiani, I. Made Wisnu Wardhana, Arie W. Kruglanski, Lori Hauser, V. Kopparumsolan
- Institutions:
- Diponegoro University, University of Indonesia, University of Maryland, College Park, Institute of Forensic Science, Office of the Chief Scientist
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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