Radicalization of extremist converts and possible rehabilitation strategies

Abstract

The phenomenon of radicalization of converts to Islam concerns a small number of the total subjects who undertake the path towards the new religious faith but the available data seem to indicate an over-representation within the group of violent extremists, who have perpetrated terrorist attacks in Europe and in the world. Despite this findings, the available studies are still in their infancy, far from being able to clearly define the peculiar elements that characterize the radicalization paths of converts. Consequently, also the approaches aimed at the reintegration of former radicalized members can hardly be configured as tailor-made best practices. This paper intends to provide some elements of analysis of the phenomenon and to propose some possible strategies to overcome these challenges, based on the peculiarities that have emerged.