What is it about?

This study investigates which demographic and psychological factors are associated with armed political violence among convicted members of ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Kuwait. Drawing on direct data from incarcerated individuals, the research examines age, education, income, family characteristics, cognitive rigidity, and behavioral change during imprisonment. Using validated measures and regression analyses, the study shows that while common demographic factors such as age, family size, and birth order are not significantly related to violent extremism, mental rigidity emerges as a powerful predictor. Importantly, individuals who demonstrated positive behavioral change during incarceration reported significantly lower levels of armed political violence.

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Why is it important?

Rare empirical access: One of the few studies based on data from actual members of terrorist organizations. Challenges stereotypes: Finds no simple demographic “terrorist profile” based on age or family background. Highlights cognitive factors: Identifies rigidity—not poverty or age—as a key predictor of violent extremism. Policy relevance: Supports rehabilitation and deradicalization programs that target cognitive flexibility and behavioral change rather than demographic profiling.

Perspectives

This research was driven by the need to move beyond speculation and media-driven assumptions about who becomes involved in extremist violence. By working with real offenders, we sought to ground discussions of terrorism in empirical evidence rather than stereotypes. The findings reinforced my view that violent extremism is better understood through psychological processes, such as rigidity and resistance to change, rather than simplistic demographic explanations. I see this work as a contribution to more effective, humane, and evidence-based counterterrorism and rehabilitation strategies.

Prof. Othman H Alkhadher
Kuwait University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Demographic variables predicting ISIS and Daesh armed political violence, Crime Law and Social Change, January 2019, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s10611-018-9808-5.
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