Emotions in Violent Extremism

This chapter examines how emotions contribute to the development of violent extremism, drawing on research into emotional drivers of violent intergroup behavior. We first introduce the concept of emotion and explain the role of cognitive appraisals of events in shaping emotions. Then, to position emotions within the context of hostile intergroup relations, we demonstrate how social identities and group processes impact emotional experience. In the main section of this chapter, we consider the roles of several discrete emotions that motivate distinct types of behaviors relevant to violent extremism. Using a broad framework of the radicalization process, we suggest that: (1) humiliation, shame, and anger in response to self- or group-relevant experiences are pertinent pre-radicalization as they create a desire to reestablish a positive self- or group-image and to restore a sense of justice; (2) contempt, disgust, and hatred, as emotions that exclude their targets from moral consideration and motivate their eradication, develop during active radicalization; and (3) positive emotions, such as love, joy, and pride, which increase commitment and motivate others, characterize the engagement stage. We draw out implications of our analysis for policymakers, stressing the importance of responding to the unfulfilled emotional needs that motivate violent extremism.