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What is radicalization leading to violence?
It is a process through which people adopt an extreme belief system – including a willingness to use, encourage or facilitate violence – in order to advance an ideology, a political project or a cause as a means of social transformation.
At the heart of the process of radicalization leading to violence, we find:
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A pattern of individuals breaking away from those closest to them (family, friends, work, etc.)
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The adoption of an ideology whose logic becomes a genuine framework for living, acting and making sense of the world.
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A belief in the use of violent means to make a cause heard.
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A progression toward radical extremes that may eventually lead to violence.
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The merging of ideology and violent action.
It is important to distinguish violent radicalization from non-violent radicalization. Sometimes, an individual becoming locked into their own certainties can result in a radical stance that is not necessarily at odds with democratic values and norms: in this sense, such radicalization is not considered violent radicalization.
In fact, non-violent radical individuals can play a very positive role, both within their community and in a broader political context. As proof, most of the progress made by democratic societies is the result of some form of radicalism: Martin Luther King, Gandhi and Mandela were all considered radicals in their time.
Radical views become problematic when, in order to advance a cause, an ideology or a worldview, they seek to legitimize, encourage or validate violence and forms of violent extremist behaviour. Are you worried about a doubt, a concern or a change in behaviour? The REMPART team offers confidential listening, needs assessment, support and accompaniment services to the people directly affected, to those around them and to their communities.
Radicalization leading to violence should not be confused with a mental health issue: while mental health may sometimes be one of many possible factors in certain radicalization processes, current research shows extensively the psychological “normality” of individuals engaged in radicalization pathways.
Similarly, it would be wrong to equate “radicalization leading to violence” with “cult-like control”: although several related or shared elements can be identified between the two, not every case of radicalization automatically involves a form of “mental control” to which the individual is subjected and which deprives them of their free will.
A support group for people whose loved ones believe in conspiracy theories, offering a space to share their experiences in a safe, inclusive and judgment-free environment. Offered online and free of charge, with one meeting every six weeks, this support group is open to everyone on a voluntary basis, wherever they live in Québec.
Why join this support group?
- To share experiences with people who have been through similar situations.
- To break the isolation of people affected, closely or more distantly, by conspiracy theories.
- To discuss themes and issues related to the phenomenon of conspiracy theories.
