Radical Redemption: Reading Narratives of Violent Extremist Disengagement Through a Criminological Lens

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research on disengagement from violent extremism has been growing strongly over recent years. At the same time, empirically grounded analyses are few and far between, and the field itself remains rather thinly theorized. In this study, the knowledge base on desistance – a well-developed sub-field within criminology – is used to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial issue. Drawing on narratives of disengagement gleaned from autobiographies and life-history interviews with former extremist offenders, the results of this study suggest that, despite their different manifestations, there may be similar mechanisms underpinning desistance from crime and disengagement from violent extremism. Also discussed are some of the implications for policy and practice, as well as avenues for future research in this area.