Causes of Radicalisation: Theological Arguments as the Ultimate Trigger

Abstract

Violent extremism is not a new or simple phenomenon. It brings into play a wide range of factors and motivators that contribute to the radicalisation of an individual. While there are social, political, emotional and psychological causes, Muslim radicals have a further underlying driving force for their actions: religious justification for their violent actions. Thus, it becomes apparent that the ultimate trigger for violent extremism is a distorted theological narrative. After all, individuals or groups would not undertake such violent actions unless they believed it to be in line with their religion. Such distorted theological arguments have an extremely destructive effect, since religious texts are cited to support atrocities committed in the name of religion. While addressing the social, political, emotional and psychological causes of radicalism will have a positive effect, they fall short of fully addressing radicalism unless a theological counter-narrative is provided.