We are all too familiar with radicalization these days. It is the process by which an individual or group adopts views so extreme that they involve the use of violence [1].
Those radicalized are willing to use any means to achieve the overthrow of existing systems, whether political, social, or religious [2A][3A]. They swallow then spew forth hate-filled rhetoric, as if it were self-evident truth [2B][3B].
The real question is why? What makes some (especially our young people) vulnerable to radicalization?
The Specter of Hitler
The fantasy/sci-fi series The Twilight Zone was prescient, in this regard [4A].
In an episode by Rod Serling titled “He’s Alive”, which first aired in 1963, an aspiring American Nazi who was once a lonely and abused child receives advice from Adolf Hitler’s specter about how to gain a following:
“Speak to them as if you were a member of the mob, speak to them in their language, on their level. Make their hate your hate. If they are poor, talk to them of poverty. If they are afraid, talk to them of their fears. And if they are angry, Mr. Vollmer, if they are angry give them objects for their anger [4B].”
Not all lonely or abused children become radicalized, of course. Nor were all those who become radicalized formerly lonely and abused children. But there is a clue here.
Vulnerability
Children from all ethnicities and all levels of society can become radicalized.
But those struggling with identity; those who lack purpose; those questioning their place in society; those becoming distanced from their cultural or religious backgrounds are more vulnerable [2C][3C].
Likewise, those isolated; those with low self-esteem; those with family issues; those who have been bullied; and those who have experienced trauma, racism, or discrimination are more vulnerable [2D][3D].
Many of these are the same factors that make children vulnerable to grooming for sexual exploitation.
Children who have difficulty understanding the consequences of their actions; lack empathy for others; are fascinated by conspiracy theories; and/or are obsessed with massacres and mass violence are particularly open to believing extremist claims are the answer to their problems [2E][3E].
External Factors
External factors can, also, play a part. Constant exposure to a one-sided point of view (including exposure online); family or friends who have joined extremist organizations; community tensions; and events in the country a child’s parents are from can all have an influence [2F][3F].
In a gang setting, the gang takes the place of a family. Its values become the values of gang members, who derive their identity and support from the gang. Hatred of a target group will often be among those values [5]. Members may be drawn in from a desire for belonging or a sense of duty, rather than any strongly held beliefs [3G].
Antisemitism
Antisemitism is a common precursor to violent extremism in far Right, far Left, and Islamic contexts [6][7][8]. Such hate groups hold Jews collectively responsible for all society’s ills, maintaining that Jews possess worldwide influence they use for their own benefit [9A]. Many deny the reality of the Holocaust, viewing Jews as conniving opportunists [9B].
Online Influence
The internet and social media have made spreading hateful and divisive narratives to millions easy.
Extremist and terrorist groups use apps, blogs, forums, and chat rooms to identify and hone in on susceptible individuals [3H]. They feed the anger, frustration, confusion, unmet aspirations, personal grievances, and sense of injustice such young people experience.
It is up to parents, teachers, counselors, and the rest of us to counter that.
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[1] Wikipedia, “Radicalization”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radicalization.
[2A and 2B] Educate Against Hate, “Which young people are vulnerable to radicalization?”, https://www.educateagainsthate.com/which-children-and-young-people-are-vulnerable-to-radicalisation/.
[3A through 3H] UK Government, “Understanding and indentifying radicalisation risk in your education setting”, 9/7/23, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-prevent-duty-safeguarding-learners-vulnerable-to-radicalisation/understanding-and-identifying-radicalisation-risk-in-your-education-setting.
[4A and 4B] YouTube, “The Twilight Zone (1959-1964), S4E4 – He’s Alive”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVfpklqAqm0.
[5] Criminology and Criminal Justice, “Race, Ethnicity, and Street Gang Involvement in an American Context” by Adrienne Freng, 2/25/19, https://oxfordre.com/criminology/criminology/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264079-e-432.
[6] George Washington University, Program of Extremism, “Antisemitism as an Underlying Precursor to Violent Extremism in American Far-Right and Islamist Contexts” by Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, Bennett Clifford, and Lorenzo Vidino, October 2020, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs5746/files/Antisemitism%20as%20an%20Underlying%20Precursor%20to%20Violent%20Extremism%20in%20American%20Far-Right%20and%20Islamist%20Contexts%20Pdf.pdf.
[7] Counter Extremism Project, “The Role of Antisemitism in the Mobilization to Violence by Extremist and Terrorist Actors” by Alexander Ritzmann, et al, February 2025, https://www.counterextremism.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/CEP%20Transnational%20Antisemitism%20Study%202025.pdf.
[8] Algemeiner, “Far-Left Antisemitism Surged 324.8% Around the World in 2024, New Report Finds” by David Swindle, 5/5/25, https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/05/05/far-left-antisemitism-surged-324-8-around-world-2024-new-report-finds/.
[9A and 9B] Southern Poverty Law Center, “Antisemitism”, https://www.splcenter.org/resources/extremist-files/antisemitism/.
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