Radicalisation refers to the process by which an individual or group comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. It often involves a third party or group exploiting an individual’s vulnerabilities, using a variety of tactics, to encourage the development of extreme views and beliefs.
Radicalisation can lead people to undertake criminal acts or hate crime, violence and in extreme cases, terrorism. It is a form of manipulation which often includes exploitation and coercion and can have devastating impacts for not only the person being radicalised and their family, but also in cases of hate crime and terrorism, the wider public.
Radicalisation can impact anyone, but some people may be more vulnerable. You can find out more about risk factors associated with radicalisation here.