Social Roots of Violent Extremism: Pathways and Trends in Europe

This volume examines the environments that enable radicalization and extremism today, drawing from extensive European research, based on the Horizon 2020 project PARTICIPATION. Examining theoretical and practical studies, the book analyzes how the erosion of institutional integration, social participation, and political stability among marginalized groups can lead to feelings of deprivation, alienation, and self-victimization. In these environments, individuals - often from disadvantaged or immigrant backgrounds - rebuild their identities through extremism, finding a sense of belonging in radical, and sometimes violent ideas that are easily accessible online.

The book further sheds light on this paradox of modern extremism: while extremists embrace technological tools like digital platforms, they reject core modern values such as personal freedom and cultural diversity. This volume argues for innovative approaches to radicalization, emphasizing prevention through the creation of inclusive social environments and critical dialogue on the role of digital technology in radical movements.

Liana M. Daher is a Full Professor of Sociology at the University of Catania (Italy), and Chair of the PhD program “Educational Processes, Theoretical-Transformational Models and Research Methods Applied to the Territory”. Her main research fields are social movements and collective behaviour, migration, and multicultural citizenship. She has taken part, both as principal investigator and member, in several national and European research projects. Currently, she serves as a scientific coordinator for the Horizon 2020 Project PARTICIPATION. Daher is past president of the research committee RC48 (Social Movements, Collective Action and Social Change) of the International Sociological Association and Editor-in-chief of two book series ("Disembedding", by Aracne, and "Sociological Challenges", by Mimesis International). She has authored books, book chapters, and articles in Italian and international academic outlets.

Francesco Antonelli is Full Professor of General Sociology at the Political Science Department, University of Roma Tre (Italy), where he coordinates the bachelor's degree courses in "Political Sciences" and "Politics, Cooperation, and Developments". He was the coordinator of the Horizon2020 Project PARTICIPATION “Analyzing and Preventing Extremism Via Participation" (2020-2023) (Grant Agreement 962547) and Work Package Leader of the Horizon2020 Project TRIVALENT “Terrorism pReventIon Via rAdicaLisation countEr-NarraTive” (2017-2020). At the Italian Association of Sociology (AIS), he is President of the Research Advisory Board and Coordinator of the Research Committee “Sociological Theory and Social Transformations” where he was also a past secretary of the Research Committee “Gender Studies” (2015-2018). Previously, he was a visiting professor at the Institute Catholique in Paris (France)(2022), École des hautes études en sciences sociales in Paris (2017), Universidade de São Paulo (Brazil) (2016), Universidade do Minho (Brazil) (2016), GESIS-EUROLAB in Cologne (Germany) (2015) and at La Troube University in Melbourne (Australia) (2012). He has authored numerous books, book chapters, and articles in Italian and international academic outlets.

Valeria Rosato is a Research Fellow of sociology and a Lecturer on “Theories on Conflicts and Peace Processes” at the Department of Political Sciences, University of Roma Tre (Italy). Her research is on issues related to security, terrorism, and peacekeeping processes, and she has participated in several national and European research projects regarding these topics.  Rosato was the Work Package Leader for the Horizon2020 Project PARTICIPATION “Analyzing and Preventing Extremism Via Participation" (2020-2023). She has authored various books, book chapters, and articles in Italian and international academic outlets.