Why Inclusion Is the Solution to Countering Domestic Violent Extremism

Over the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia movements have become the primary domestic terrorism threat in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found that more domestic terrorism investigations occurred in 2020 than in the previous 25 years. In the last 10 years, domestic terrorism-related investigations have grown by 357%. 

Domestic terrorism, or “domestic violent extremism”(DVE), is “one of the most significant threats facing the country” according to the Department of Justice. No longer relegated to the periphery of American public life, domestic extremist groups have multiplied by using social media to recruit and indoctrinate more people than ever before.

We know social media is a new tool exploited by domestic extremists, but what drives new recruits to join once contacted on social media? When we think about white supremacy and other forms of DVE, our minds immediately lead us to hate as the driving force. We assume that people are driven to join these movements because they are aligned in detesting one group in favor of another.

Understanding the Psychological Drivers of Domestic Terrorism Recruitment

Hate is certainly an important factor. However, our research has found that there is more to domestic terrorism affiliation than hate: most people are driven to join extremist groups by a cocktail of vulnerability, isolation and trauma. Among participants, many experienced abuse or familial instability in their childhood. Prior research of individuals exposed to these childhood traumas found they are more likely to seek external validation through group membership — they feel an extreme need to belong. 

This does not suggest that all individuals who experience childhood trauma are doomed to become domestic terrorists, or that any individuals successfully recruited based on their need to belong are absolved of their subsequent terrorist activities. Instead, this research sheds light on how terrorist recruiters have been successful to date: extremist groups typically exploit this need to belong by recruiting potential members subtly. This insight is further substantiated by a current research project I’m leading at RTI, which examines insights from individuals exiting DVE groups to learn directly about their lived experiences of radicalization.

New members are slowly acclimated through house parties or other social gatherings, and only once they have developed social ties to the group are they introduced to the core beliefs. At this point, these recruits may feel that their membership in this new social circle would be too difficult to abandon. What’s more, some will accept the rhetoric in an attempt to fit in with the new group in an extreme form of peer pressure.

In short: domestic terrorist group members are often driven to hateful ideology through their new “friends” in the movement, rather than hate driving their initiation into these groups.

Promoting Social Inclusion to Counter Violent Extremism

Research reveals a surprising solution: inclusion as a countermeasure. 

It is the universal human need to belong that makes individuals vulnerable to recruitment and open to following extremist ideology. To prevent people from joining and deradicalize individuals already in these groups, we need to shift from hate elimination tactics—which have limited impact on deeply entrenched beliefs—and address the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.

Handling de-radicalization is not something the criminal justice system can do alone. Local resources like mental health professionals, social workers and education professionals must be utilized. By building social ties outside of the group and with these resources in their communities, individuals may be able to see a path forward that doesn’t include hate. 

To leave extremist groups, members must disengage and abandon their close relationships, as well as their previously foundational beliefs. It would be difficult for anyone to leave their old life behind, especially on their own. Through groups like Exit USA’s program Life After Hate—a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals attempting to leave extremist organizations—and building community ties outside of these groups, individuals will feel included and realize they are not alone. 

Domestic violent extremism is a serious threat to American public spaces and institutions. It is important to understand the experiences and motivations that drive people to join these groups. We need evidence-based public policy on terrorism prevention, and to equip organizations and families with the knowledge necessary to prevent the radicalization of loved ones. Social inclusion could be a matter of life or death.