Cracking Conspiracies: Revealing the Socio-Developmental Roots of Radicalisation

Conspiracy belief is widespread. Alarmingly, a small group of conspiracy believers have radicalized, becoming violent or breaking the law. In understanding and tackling the urgent challenge of conspiracy-radicalization, the focus has mostly been on what is ‘wrong’ with some individuals to gravitate towards conspiracy belief and/or violence. By focusing on individual shortcomings, external factors that can equally influence beliefs and behavior are left unexplored. Hence, this project addresses the question of when and how conspiracy belief can lead to radicalization, paying attention to the role of childhood experiences and social environment. The findings can contribute to the development of effective prevention measures against this pressing and challenging issue.

Involved researcher

• 

  dr. Hanne Duindam PhD

  Assistant Professor

  Email:

Collaboration

Several agencies and organisations have actively contributed to the development of this study. Data collection will start in 2026. We are currently looking for cooperation partners who want to participate in or contribute to the study! Do you work at a school, municipality, government agency, or are you a stakeholder? Let us know; we would love to hear from you!

Funding

• Veni NWO (2024)

More information?

For questions, suggestions and or interest in collaboration, please email: h.m.duindam@uu.nl.