Risk Factors/Drivers

Poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and economic instability can contribute to feelings of marginalization. When individuals struggle to meet basic needs or see no path to economic improvement, they may become more open to alternativenarratives that critique the status quo and offer radical solutions.

The isolation of youth and lack of opportunities for travel.

Influential figures such as religious leaders, community influencers, or other prominent individuals within social networks play a critical role by legitimizing extremist ideologies and providing support systems for recruits.

Social media and digital platforms have become potent tools for amplifying extremist rhetoric, connecting potential recruits with extensive extremist networks, and fostering virtual communities that uphold extremist ideologies

Domestic violence inflicts profound trauma not only on direct victims but also on witnesses, particularly children. If these traumas are not adequately addressed, there is a significant risk of pushing individuals toward extremism.

The failure to adequately address past atrocities and the shortcomings of transitional justice mechanisms have created an environment where historical narratives are manipulated, enabling individuals and groups to fuel radical ideologies and deepen divisions between ethnic communities

Household narratives and the stories passed down within families play a crucial role in shaping how young people perceive the Kosovo war, particularly in contexts where there is limited open dialogue and mutual understanding of the historical events between Serbs and Albanians. These narratives often form the foundationalviews that individuals hold about their identity, history, and the ‘other,’ influencing inter-community perceptions and relations. This situation can perpetuate cycles of misunderstanding and mistrust between ethnic groups, which can lead to extremism

Lack of career orientation and guidance for young people has been identified as a major issue. This gap not only exacerbates feelings of hopelessness but also creates opportunities for radical groups to target and recruit vulnerable individuals, further perpetuating the cycle of extremism

The siege mentality is connected to a sense of uniqueness within the community, as if no one else experiences what they do. They believe that no one else endures theirsufferings or challenges and that they are surrounded by enemies. This creates a strong division between “us” and “the outsiders.” In this context, there is a persistent belief that others tend to do harm, which fuels a psychology of isolation and insecurity. In situations of heightened isolation, charismatic individuals can emerge as “saviors” who promise to remedy injustices and restore dignity to those who feel marginalized. These figures often use persuasive rhetoric that simplifies complex socio-economic issues into us-vs-them narratives. By presenting themselves as the sole bearers of solutions, these leaders can accelerate the process of radicalization, drawing their followers into a more extreme stance against perceived enemies or the status quo.