What the study found
The study found that radicalization pathways varied across the groups studied, with different narratives, networks, and forms of identity fusion linked to activism and radicalism intentions. The authors report that JI, JAD, and NII participants showed distinct patterns of motivation and adherence.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that a nuanced understanding of these group-specific pathways can inform tailored, evidence-based counter-radicalization programs. They suggest such programs should be sensitive to differences in recruitment and ideological development across groups.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a mixed-methods design guided by the 3N Model of Radicalization and Identity Fusion Theory. They studied 41 convicted terrorists in Indonesia affiliated with Negara Islam Indonesia (NII), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), combining quantitative analysis with qualitative thematic analysis.
What worked and what didn't
Quantitatively, loss of significance, extremist narratives, networks, and identity fusion with group, leader, and ideology were significantly correlated with activism and radicalism intentions. Qualitative analysis added group differences: 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 Takfiri narratives.
What to keep in mind
The study involved 41 convicted terrorists who agreed to participate, and most were male. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond the specific groups and participants studied.
Key points
- Loss of significance was significantly correlated with activism and radicalism intentions.
- Extremist narratives, networks, and identity fusion were also significantly correlated with those intentions.
- JI participants were described as older, more educated, and less violent in their narratives.
- JAD and NII participants were often linked to personal crises and more violent Takfiri narratives.
- The authors say counter-radicalization programs should be tailored to group-specific dynamics.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Group-specific pathways shaped radicalization among convicted terrorists
- Authors:
- Norberta Fauko Firdiani, I. Made Wisnu Wardhana, Arie W. Kruglanski, Lori Hauser, V. Kopparumsolan
- Institutions:
- Diponegoro University, Institute of Forensic Science, Office of the Chief Scientist, University of Indonesia, University of Maryland, College Park
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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