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Faculty Publication: Professor Emeritus of Psychology Clark R. McCauley

July 9, 2020

The ABC Model: Commentary from the Perspective of the Two Pyramids Model of Radicalization

Author: Clark McCauley

Source: Terrorism and Political Violence, doi: 10.1080/09546553.2020.1763964

Publication type: Article

Abstract: In this commentary, I compare the ABC model of radicalization with the Two Pyramids model of radicalization. Both models distinguish radicalization of opinion from radicalization of action. Beyond this agreement are questions about the concepts deployed in advancing the ABC model and research issues relating to applications of the two models. I conclude with an optimistic assessment of recent progress in research on terrorism, including the suggestion that deradicalization of action may be forwarded by giving up on deradicalization of opinion.

Department of Psychology