Abstract
IntroductionRadicalization leading to violence is a complex social process that frequently targets young people. In this study, we examine the 17-A cell, which carried out terrorist attacks in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Cambrils on August 17, 2017. We focus on the psychological manipulation techniques used to radicalized members of the cell.MethodsUsing deductive content analysis, we examined the judicial order of the National High Court related to “Operation Ramblas” and the police proceedings of Cuerpo de Mossos d'Esquadra (CME) associated with the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks. Our goal was to determine whether psychological manipulation was used on the cell members and, if so, how frequently.ResultsOur results suggest that different psychological manipulation techniques were used on the 17-A cell members to facilitate their use of ideological violence. The most frequent strategies were cognitive control (control of attention, group identification, and denigration of critical thinking), environmental control (control of information), and emotional control (authoritarian leadership).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that psychological manipulation techniques were used in the radicalization of 17-A cell members. The results are discussed in the context of previous research on the psychology of violent extremism and terrorism. We highlight the need for prevention and psychosocial interventions to steer young people away from violent extremism.
Highlights
Radicalization leading to violence is a complex social process that frequently targets young people
We examine a topic that has been understudied in the terrorism literature: the use of psychological manipulation techniques in the process of violent radicalization [2]
This study focuses on two research questions: [1] Were psychological manipulation techniques used to radicalize young people into the 17-A cell? And, if so, [2], Which techniques were used most frequently? To answer these questions, we conducted a systematic analysis of the radicalization process of the members of the 17-A cell
Summary
Radicalization leading to violence is a complex social process that frequently targets young people. We examine the 17-A cell, which carried out terrorist attacks in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Cambrils on August 17, 2017. We focus on the psychological manipulation techniques used to radicalized members of the cell. Psychological Manipulation and Violent Radicalization were citizens of the country where the attack took place. Given these trends, it is necessary to study terrorism from a global perspective, with the aim of understanding the multiple motivations that lead young people to engage in politicalreligious violence. We examine a topic that has been understudied in the terrorism literature: the use of psychological manipulation techniques in the process of violent radicalization [2]. Understanding how recruiters and groups use these techniques to radicalize youth is imperative to create effective prevention programs
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