Friction

Friction: How Radicalization Happens to Them and Us identifies the 12 mechanisms of political radicalization that move individuals, groups, and mass publics to increased sympathy and support for political violence. Written by two psychologists who are acknowledged radicalization experts and consultants to the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies, Friction draws on a pattern of terrorism that played out over a century ago in imperial Russia to illustrate the 12 mechanisms of radicalization and illuminate the strikingly similar patterns of group and individual behavior unfolding today. Taken together, the case histories from the past and present eras show how unexceptional people are moved to exceptional violence in the conflict between states and non-state groups. This sweeping, absorbing narrative provides the context, depth, and insight needed to recognize the psychology behind radicalization, with hope for those working towards peace.