The Pathway Model of Radicalization 2.0: Empirical Insights into the Religiously Motivated, Right-Wing and Left-Wing Radicalization Process

Many models of radicalization have been developed in recent decades. However, these usually lack coverage and empirical verification of the multiple factors shaping radicalization pathways on the one hand, and differentiation between ideologies on the other. This study aimed to address these gaps. We coded 370 radicalization cases from the German domestic intelligence service and international online sources across multiple variables. To map the temporal course of radicalization, we examined both individuals in midprocess and those with largely completed radicalization. Based on this, pathway models for religiously motivated, rightwing and leftwing radicalization were developed. Results suggest that radicalization can be basically understood as a mix of need-oriented, group-related, and disinhibitory processes. All of these process clusters are observable at different stages of radicalization. However, their relevance appears to shift sequentially as radicalization advances, with disinhibitory processes playing a particularly inciting role in later stages. Notably, both religiously motivated and right-wing radicalization share the same process clusters, though configured differently. In contrast, left-wing radicalization differs substantially in individual profiles, and is characterized by a relative absence of disinhibitory processes. Overall, the study provides a conceptual framework that can inform future research as well as the detection, prevention, and intervention of radicalization.