The role of isolation in radicalization: how important is it?

Abstract

This thesis will provide readers an in-depth analysis of three well-known terrorists in order to highlight the role isolation played in their radicalization process. This thesis researched Timothy McVeigh, responsible for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings; Anders Behring Breivik, responsible for the 2011 massacres in Oslo and Utya, Norway; and Omar Hammami, an American-born individual believed to have been involved in numerous terrorist attacks throughout Somalia on behalf of al-Shabaab. The research evaluated both international and domestic terrorists with differing ideologies, and these individuals were found to represent a broad spectrum. The thesis specifically evaluated whether or not each individual experienced social, emotional, or perceived isolation at any point throughout his radicalization process. It was determined that isolation does play a very multifaceted role in both the initial involvement and initial engagement phases of radicalization. By better understanding the contributing factors of radicalization, homeland security officials may be better positioned to effectively intervene, prevent, or deter radicalization.