“What Made Me Change”: Transformative Experiences in the Jihadist Radicalization Process

Abstract

Disentangling the roots of radicalization leading to violence is a worldwidechallenge. Unfortunately, empirical data are scarce. Through fieldwork con-ducting interviews with Muslim persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in Spanishprisons, this research examines transformative experiences that may haveinfluenced radicalization leading to violence from the 3N model and the life-course perspective lenses. PDL because of jihadist terrorism (n = 30), com-mon criminals who carry out proselytizing work (n = 22), and non-radicals(control group, n = 64) were asked about the turning point in their lives. Theirresponses were coded into exclusive thematic categories following an induc-tive-deductive mixed approach. Jihadists and proselytizers identified experi-ences linking their personal identity to religion—ideological ties—asa transformative point that provided them purpose and sparked the desirefor leaving their criminal lifestyle behind. Also, proselytizers referred tofamily-related experiences—familial ties—as a turning point which alsoprompted them to criminal desistance, whereas this was not mentioned byjihadists. All groups had in common the experience of incarceration asa major turning point and a moderate level of self-reported religiosity.Overall, these findings contribute to the understanding and prevention ofjihadist radicalization.