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The concept of ‘radicalization’ became particularly important in both research and counter-terrorism practice after the September 11, 2001 attacks. In the aftermath of these events, radicalization was understood as a process by which an individual becomes willing to support or execute terrorist acts. This article outlines these initial post-9/11 understandings of radicalization, highlights a few counter-terrorism practices rooted in these insights, and then examines them in light of emerging trends.

Specifically, counter-terrorism authorities are increasingly focusing on very young individuals, even when their ideological motivations are often unclear. The role of cognitive and ideological radicalization in terrorism involvement has become increasingly uncertain. This raises questions about the future viability of the concept of radicalization as a framework for explaining terrorism and as the basis for developing counter-terrorism practices.

Given the centrality of cognition and attitudes in traditional understandings of radicalization, coupled with the unclear roles these elements play in terrorism involvement, there is a growing need to reassess the concept. This article primarily examines examples from the UK, which is often considered a leading innovator in the field of counter-terrorism.

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