State of art report

This report aims to review deradicalisation literature, exploring the theoretical and practical developments in this field. With a threefold structure, the report starts with an introduction where a conceptual distinction of key terms (e.g., deradicalisation, disengagement, counter-violent extremism, counter radicalisation) is made and a definition of exit programmes is presented. After, micro (individual), meso (group level) and macro (societal) determinants of radicalisation are explored and synthetized, contributing to our understanding of radicalisation processes. In this section, an emphasis is given to models of (de)radicalisation in the prison context. The second part of the report explores the theoretical and practical developments on exit programmes. Namely, this section draws attention to theories that can help researchers understand disengagement and deradicalisation processes, in order to develop better intervention programmes. First, some barriers to deradicalisation are presented, followed by the pull/push factors framework, highlighting deradicalisation factors. Then, studies presenting disengagement and deradicalisation factors are put forth. Additionally, a more theoretical approach is also developed, with an explanation of psychological theories, such as the investment model, cognitive dissonance theory, reactance theory, self-categorisation theory and social identity theory, since these represent important models to understand deradicalisation, as well as theories from other research fields. Moreover, this section describes the goals of exit programmes (i.e., deradicalise, disengage, rehabilitate and reintegrate) and main pillars of various programmes (e.g., reinterpretation of ideology; social service; individual counselling/psychological component), presenting a brief exploration of the history of these programmes and its implementation in different regions. The conclusion section draws attention to the main results from this literature review report, making a clear distinction of key terms, providing guidelines on exit programmes’ goals and possible structure, and reflecting on the main factors that promote deradicalisation and disengagement