Ideological idiosyncrasies and individual-level radicalisation pathways: unpacking the mutating dynamics of contemporary extremism

Abstract

The rise of ‘mixed’ forms of extremism, particularly esoteric variations that defy conventional ideological boundaries, presents significant conceptual and regulatory challenges. These non-doctrinal forms, characterised by a fluid bricolage of attitudes, beliefs, and identity constructs, transcend existing policy-defined ideological categorisations and pose a complex threat. While extremist phenomena such as inceldom and misogynistic-driven violence have been more recently studied, the broader ecosystem of converging and seemingly disparate threads of extremism remains underexplored. Addressing this gap, this paper illuminates the evolving landscape of radical(ising) pathways and calls for a broadening of radicalisation research to include an exploration of the role and significance of idiosyncratic modes of extremist engagement. It further seeks a deeper understanding of the relational and emotional dimensions of radicalisation, foregrounding the fluid, heterogeneous, and often unpredictable nature of individual-level pathways. By examining these factors, this paper challenges the simplifications embedded in conventional categorisations of ideology and critiques the Prevent Strategy’s capacity to respond to the mutating dynamics of contemporary extremism, arguing for adaptive frameworks that acknowledge and engage with the complex interplay of personalised agency, shifting structural conditions, and the fluid architecture of evolving radical(ising) ecosystems.