Research and Evaluation on Domestic Terrorism Prevention: A Prospective Longitudinal Analysis of Extremism Exit

This research involves a mixed-method prospective longitudinal (5-year) study of extremism exit from white supremacist groups. The purpose of the proposed project is to contribute to an evidence base to support the development and scaling of effective terrorism prevention programs. The design includes a collection of primary, prospective, quantitative data (online survey modules) and in-depth qualitative interviews (every other month, by telephone or videoconferencing). The project includes three broad, interconnected phases that will be executed by a research team and one of the few U.S.-based nongovernmental counterterrorism programs. The project will develop a prospective longitudinal data set of up to 100 individuals exiting extremist groups in the United States. Phase I will focus on developing a series of survey modules and interviews to assess white supremacist ideation and behaviors, as well as social-psychological aspects of extremism, and on obtaining institutional review board approval. During Phase II, the focus will be directed toward collecting data to build the data set of individuals exiting extremism. The longitudinal database will be designed to provide a detailed focus on individual risk and protective factors related to entry into and exit out of extremist groups. Phase III will be focused on analysis and reporting from multiple surveys of and interviews with each of the 100 participants. The analysis and reporting will highlight lessons that intervention and prevention professionals, and their programs, can learn from the participants and will be the basis of a terrorism prevention guidebook. The guidebook will be one of a robust and multifaceted variety of deliverables, including other law enforcement and mental health-oriented research briefs and a series of peer-reviewed manuscripts. The project will thus have both scholarly and programmatic impact.  "Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR  200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF