PhD Study : A cross cultural study of radicalisation and violent extremism

Summary

This project is associated with a ring fenced PhD studentship for Dr Campbell and is co-supervised by Dr Magnus Lindén of Lund University, Sweden.

Radicalisation and violent extremism (RIVE) are growing global problems with significant implications for national and international security (Allen & Dempsey, 2017).  While much is known about how violent extremism operates in strategic sense (Horgan, 2016), and the risk factors which may make an individual vulnerable to radicalisation, there is no single route to radicalisation nor a single demographic susceptible to it (educate.against.hate, 2017; HM Government, 2012). The gap in knowledge lies in our understanding of if, when and why (and under what conditions) radical views will lead to violent behaviour (Horgan, 2016; HM Government).

The current project proposes to address this question through a cross-cultural study exploring radicalisation and identity processes in Northern Ireland (NI) and in Sweden. RIVE is a social process and research indicates that social identity is at the core of the radicalisation process (Al Raffie, 2013). Indeed, of the 12 mechanisms of radicalisation identified by McCauley & Moskalenko (2008) 10 occur in the context of group identification. NI and Sweden have both experienced violent extremism as a result of conflict between groups characterised by religious identities. While NI has had a long history of violence resulting from conflict, it has made significant progress towards a peaceful resolution.

Conversely, Sweden, is experiencing a rapid escalation in violent extremism, experiencing a terrorist attack as recently as April this year. Additionally, intelligence chief Anders Thornberg has indicated that the number of Islamic extremists is projected to have risen from 200 in 2010 to thousands now (Moore, 2017 June, 16). The proposed project will take advantage of the opportunity to study ongoing sectarianism in some quarters in NI, as well as the willingness of some former combatants to engage in research (see Campbell & Lowe, 2015) in order to explore the conditions and identity processes that 1) lead to radicalisation and 2) have lead individuals to engage in violent actions. Building on the work of McCauley & Moskalenko (2008), we will focus specifically on the mechanisms of ‘individual radicalisation by personal victimisation’; ‘individual radicalisation in joining a radical group- the slippery slope’; ‘group radicalisation in like-minded groups’ and ‘group radicalisation under isolation and threat’.

NI will be used as a comparison for research conducted in Sweden, in which intergroup dynamics and identity processes may be more difficult to delineate due to structural group differences such as differences in social status, wealth and racism. It will also provide an insight into the operation of identity processes in radicalisation in the context of established and emerging conflicts.

This research project will also explore how the actions and responses of leadership groups (e.g. political elites, police, military) to marginalised communities may impact on facilitating and/or inhibiting RIVE, (and under what conditions this occurs). This ties in with McCauley & Moskalenko’s (2008) proposed mechanisms of radicalisation ‘group radicalisation in competition with state power- condensation’ and ‘Mass radicalisation in conflict with an outgroup- hate’. This research will adopt a social identity perspective and will comprise of both qualitative and experimental studies.

As well as the criteria mentioned below, it is expected that applicants will have a degree in Psychology or a cognate area.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living