The Legitimization of Terrorism in Adolescence and Youth: from Radicalisation Mechanisms to Risk Assessment Model

The demands of practice for the development of radicalisation risk assessment tools are still ahead of the capabilities of psychological science. An analysis of radicalisation risk assessment models used predominantly in the penitentiary systems of several countries suggests that these tools are controversial, hence the need for further theoretical reflection and experimental testing. The aim of the theoretical and analytical study outlined here is to formulate the key components of a model for assessing the risk of radicalisation in adolescent and young adult environments. Critical analysis of risk assessment models and social psychological theories of radicalisation allowed to demonstrate the advantages of M. Hogg’s uncertainty-identity theory in comparison with other explanatory concepts. Following the ideas of the uncertainty-identity theory several hypotheses were proposed in order to assess the radicalisation risk among adolescents and young people.