A Biographical Perspective on Processes of Radicalisation

Abstract This article reconstructs four ideal types of biographical self-descriptions outlining radicalisation processes that are based on longitudinal interviews conducted with male (former) right-wing extremists. In the first self-description, biographers explain how they were born into radicalised families whose ideological norms and values adopted without question. The second self-description outlines biographers’ actions guided by a longing for stability community. Initially, ideology plays tangential role, involvement in Kameradschaften violence providing key momentum. third refer to their German heritage glorify National Socialism. They see themselves as guardians Volk, partly resort defend this idea. fourth engagement extremism an outlet frustrations social discrimination. During our analysis, we examine whether any these also correspond given Islamists, concluding latter do indeed describe pathways similar manner.