Resources for understanding radicalisation vs violent extremism

Violent extremism is defined as acts of or support for violence to achieve social, political or legal outcomes or in response to specific political or social grievances.

Radicalisation is when a person's thinking and behaviour become significantly different from how most of the members of their society and community view social issues and participate politically. Only small numbers of people radicalise and they can be from a diverse range of ethnic, national, political and religious groups. 

It should be emphasised that becoming radicalised does not automatically mean that a person is engaging, or will engage, in violent or dangerous behaviour.

While someone with radical beliefs may seek to substantially transform the nature of society and government, in most instances their behaviour does not pose a danger to the Australian community.

Resources

See below resources for more on how the radicalisation process occurs. These, among others, have been used to show how extremist interests (of all kinds) can impact society and the critical need for support networks and early intervention prevention efforts.

Podcasts

• Rabbit Hole tells the story of Caleb and his radicalisation via youtube to illustrate how online radicalisation occurs. 
• Boys like me recounts the story of Alek Minassin and the catalyst for his radicalisation, which resulted in an act of violence in Toronto in 2018. 
  
• In the Cave discusses the impact of social media on radicalisation and attempts to answer the common question; do these apps really drive their users to radicalisation?

Websites

• Al Jazeera’s Radicalised Youth series discusses what drives youth radicalisation in the contemporary and historical context. 
• Radicalisation in the digital era is a project by the RAND Corporation and discusses the internets role as an accelerant in the radicalisation process.
  
• ABC News “Alt-right groups are targeting young video gamers — and finding a culture where extremist views can flourish”
  
• Youtube UN75 Rethinking Radicalisation is a 75-minute discussion on radicalisation during and post COVID-19.