The Extremist Mind: A Neuropsychological Analysis

This work argues that while neuropsychological factors create a vulnerability, it is the interplay with specific irrational beliefs (as per REBT) and social triggers that most accurately predict the adoption of an extremist mindset. To lay the foundation for this argument, the following sections will first define extremism and review current understandings, followed by an exploration of mindset formation and the psychological pathways involved (Tóth, Turner, Mannion, 2023). Extremism represents a significant and widely debated challenge in contemporary global society. Although various deradicalisation and prevention programs have been implemented globally, the persistence and complexity of the issue remain insufficiently addressed (Cassam, 2021). The truth is that recent developments in established democracies suggest that citizens’ commitment to liberal democratic principles is weakening. Although cross-national surveys report a general preference for democracy, a significant proportion of respondents also express approval for non-democratic alternatives (Graham & Svolik, 2020; Svolik, 2020; Torcal & Magalhães, 2022). According to the author Cassam (2021; 2023), there are three forms of extremism: ideological, methodological, and psychological. The last form, designated as 'mindset extremism,' refers to the psychological conditions that predispose individuals toward adopting extreme methods. As stated, this theoretical perspective, effective interventions should focus on preempting the development of extremist mindsets as a means of mitigating extremist behaviors (Finlay, 2023). Comprehending mindset extremism collectively provides a more precise analytical lens through which it is easier to examine events (Cassam, 2021; 2023; Finlay, 2023). The psychological pathway involves the adoption of an extremist mindset, which serves as an enabling condition that facilitates the use of extreme methods. Specifically, this mindset is characterised by a preoccupation with perceived victimhood and a disregard for the consequences of violence. Subsequently, a triggering event, such as the perception of a grievance, may prompt individuals with this mindset to engage in violent behaviour (Cassam, 2021; 2023; Finlay, 2023). Some researchers describe an archetypal extremist mindset as having four main psychological traits (Cassam, 2021; 2023; Miller-Idriss, 2020). These include a strong focus on purity, virtue, humiliation, and victimhood; intense emotions like anger, humiliation, resentment, and self-pity; rigid attitudes such as refusing to compromise, being indifferent, intolerant, or opposed to pluralism; and a tendency to think in conspiratorial, apocalyptic, or catastrophic ways (Cassam, 2021; 2023; Miller-Idriss, 2020).