This accessible book identifies twelve mechanisms of political radicalization that can move individuals, groups, and the masses to increased sympathy and support for political violence. Terrorism is an extreme form of radicalization, and the book describes pathways to terrorism to demonstrate the twelve mechanisms at work.

Written by two psychologists who are acknowledged radicalization experts and consultants to the Department of Homeland Security, Friction draws heavily on case histories. The case material is wide-ranging - drawn from Russia in the late 1800s, the US in the...

Ever wonder why we belong to so many groups: nation, ethnicity, religion, college alums, sports teams fan clubs? Most of these memberships dont provide any tangible benefits, and can demand a heavy price including financial contributions, adherence to time-consuming rituals, and limitations on freedom. Some of these group memberships can even call on us to join in a violent conflict, with a risk of injury or death. What do we get in return? Written by a psychologist, this book reveals a psychological reward for identifying with groups: perception of control. Reviewing psychological theory...

Terrorism is an extreme form of radicalization. In this ground-breaking and important book, Clark McCauley and Sophia Moskalenko identify and outline twelve mechanisms of political radicalization that can move individuals, groups, and the masses to increased sympathy and support for political violence.

Co-authored by two psychologists both acknowledged in their field as experts in radicalization and consultants to the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies, Friction draws on wide-ranging case histories to show striking parallels between 1800s anti-czarist terrorism,...