Individual Disengagement from Al Qa’ida-influenced Terrorist Groups
Author(s):
This report prepared for the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) in the UK Home Office, presents the findings of a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) into individual disengagement from Al Qa’ida-influenced terrorist groups. The report looks to the literature on street gangs, religious cults and right-wing extremist groups to see if there are any transferable lessons for Al Qa’ida influenced groups. The report finds the general lessons to be a) that there’s more potential to intervene effectively in order to encourage exit after a triggering event; b) it may also prove effective if a programme is run by former group members who have credibility with current members; c) it seems important to tailor interventions to local problems and contexts and d) the involvement of family members, as seen in right-wing movements seem to be key in the successful deradicalization programs analyzed.