Radicalization in North America:
A Strategic Approach to Prevention
Rick Parent, Ph.D., James O Ellis III, MA

Abstract
North America has long served as a fundraising and
logistics hub for dozens of global terrorist organizations
as well as an occasional target for attacks. There is no
single path to radicalization, and there is no guaranteed
method for deradicalization.

Ten Signs of
Potential
Radicalization
1) Catalyzing life event
(death, divorce, bullying, loss
of employment, etc.)

North America should develop an international counter
radicalization strategy that is complemented with
targeted policies and programs that deter and prevent
future radicalization as well as a formal deradicalization
program. These efforts should be supported by
culturally-sensitive community policing and voluntary
self-policing within diaspora communities.

2) Alienation and/or isolation
from family, friends, or
community
3) Loss of interest in school,
work, or hobbies
4) Obsession with a social,
political, religious, or
economic issue

Royal Canadian Mounted Police:
Radicalization is the process by which
individuals are introduced to and accept
an overtly ideological message and belief system that
encourages movement from moderate, mainstream beliefs
towards extreme views.

Department of Homeland Security
Office of Intelligence & Analysis:
Radicalization is the process of adopting an
extremist belief system, including the willingness to use,
support, or facilitate violence, as a method to effect societal
change.

5) Association with other likeminded individuals
6) Change in outward
appearance and demeanor
Law Enforcement and Citizens Stop
Terrorism

7) Use of special words,
gestures, or symbols

Source of Initial Clues in 68 Foiled American Plots,
1999-2009

8) Embracing conspiratorial
beliefs and speaking out for
one’s cause

19%
29%

Intelligence
Agencies
Federal Law
Enforcement

Dutch General Intelligence and
Security Service (AIVD):
Radicalization is a growing readiness to pursue
and/or support – if necessary by undemocratic
means – far-reaching changes in society that conflict with,
or pose a threat to, the democratic order.

State and Local
Law Enforcement

30%

General Public

22%

Source: Strom et al., October 2010. Building on
Clues: Examining Successes and Failures in
Detecting U.S. Terrorist Plots, 1999-2009.
Research Triangle Park, NC: Institute for
Homeland Security Solutions. p. 12.

9) Redirection of time and
money to support radical
activism
10) Intolerance towards
opposing views, beliefs, or
groups

JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA