Contextualizing Disengagement: How Exit Barriers Shape the Pathways Out of Far-Right Extremism in the United States

• NCJ Number: 302501
• Journal: Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Dated: 2020
• Date Published: 2020
• Author(s): Michael Jensen; Patrick James; Elizabeth Yates
• Grant Number(s): 2014-ZA-BX-0003; 2019-ZA-CX-0003
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This study examined how obstacles to disengagement and push and pull factors combine to produce pathways out of extremism.

Abstract

Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis and a sample of 50 far-right extremists in the United States, including 25 who disengaged and 25 who did not, the study found that certain exit barriers, like the presence of extremist family members, poor social mobility, and past criminal convictions, determine which push and pull factors are capable of assisting individuals in leaving extremism. The study concludes with a discussion of how these findings can be used to support intervention and reintegration programs. (publisher abstract modified)