"Radicalization is epiphenomenal and opportunistic, and hence not a useful focus of policy response"

[phantom power]

I think this is true, although my own spin is that policy ought to be focused on reducing the conditions that lead up to radicalization. That is, focusing on domestic policies such as keeping unemployment low. Focus on constructive foreign policies, instead of endless wars of choice that leave behind broken people and broken countries.

Endless wars and economic austerity do nothing except increase the number of people predisposed to radicalization. Bullshit policies like the PATRIOT act attempt to treat the symptoms, at best, and at worst dismantle the freedoms we're supposedly trying to protect while doing nothing to reduce radicalization.

Anyway, my view is this: Radicalization is epiphenomenal and opportunistic, and hence not a useful focus of policy response.

In terms of being epiphenomenal, you will find that almost all case of radicalization follow rather than cause personal crisis. Individuals who are “radicalized” and turn to terrorism often already have money woes, job loss, the collapse of relationships, or the onset of psychological symptoms, at the very least depression and anxiety disorders, but often paranoid schizophrenia.

In terms of opportunism… Radicalized individuals are usually people who have, essentially, been emptied out by personal crisis. For some, radical Islamist ideology fills the gaps. For others it is booze or sex or drugs or suicide. Anyway, we’re not talking about master criminals, working at the behest of brilliant external puppet masters. We’re talking about broken individuals who are not just manipulated, but eager to be manipulated to give their lives meaning.
It is a sad and tragic situation. It is particularly tragic for the victims. But from a societal perspective it is a nuisance.

http://www.balloon-juice.com/2013/04/19/boston-2/

[CJCRANE]

1. I don't agree with the last line of the excerpt

but I agree with the gist of the article.

I also think the spread of radical memes through social media is something that needs to be looked at.