Radicalization is the process through which individuals or groups adopt extreme political, social, or religious ideologies that reject the status quo and may advocate for significant societal change or violence. This transformation can lead individuals to embrace beliefs that justify the use of force or aggression to achieve their goals. Radicalization often occurs in social, political, or economic contexts that foster feelings of disenfranchisement or alienation, making individuals susceptible to extremist influences. It can happen through various channels, including personal experiences, social networks, and exposure to radical ideologies online. The term is most commonly associated with political extremism, including terrorism, but can also apply to other forms of radical beliefs.
A stabbing during Solingen's anniversary festival resulted in three deaths and eight injuries, later claimed by the Islamic State, unveiling deeper narratives of radicalization. Journalist Michael Trammer investigated the background…