Research on Domestic Radicalization and Terrorism

• NCJ Number: 251174
• Date Published: January 2017
• Length: 2 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Study/Research); Program/Project Description

Annotation

Following a general description of the topics covered in the U.S. Justice Department's National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) research grant program on countering and preventing terrorism, this report provides overviews of the research focus in each of the fiscal years of the research (2012 - 2018) and online access to related abstracts.

Abstract

The primary goal of NIJ-sponsored research on domestic radicalization and terrorism is to provide community leaders with evidence-based practices for bolstering resilience and developing community-wide responses that can prevent and mitigate threats posed by terrorists. Research in fiscal year (FY) 2012 focused on the empirical evaluation of social science theories of domestic radicalization; the radicalization process for individuals; the comparative analysis of terrorists, organized criminals, gangs, hate groups, and/or cults; and the influence of community-level and policing strategies on domestic radicalization. FY 2013 brought together stakeholders to demonstrate the importance of the research. The research and evaluation goals were expanded to include six research grants that targeted new issues identified. FY 2014 focused on the dissemination of early results, as first-year grantees presented their initial findings and introduced their new projects. FY 2015 (fourth year) shifted from development of the evidence base to a focus on prevention and intervention. A 3-day conference called "Radicalization and Violent Extremism: Lessons from Canada, the UK, and the US" brought together the most influential research team from these countries to discuss results with practitioners regarding programmatic implications of the research. Also, an effort was launched with stakeholders in how to identify individuals who would benefit from early intervention. FY 2016 continued the focus on the application of research in practice and research on the causes and evolution of radicalization. FYs 2017 and 2018 emphasized program evaluations and the continuation of basic research, as well as support for replication of effective program models.