Publication

This paper explores the potential contribution of social movement theory to throw light on the question of violent radicalization in Europe. It first provides an overview of the main schools and major scholars who have applied social movement theory to terrorism studies. It identifies three main schools: strain theory, resource mobilization theory and framing theory and discusses their respective strengths and weaknesses. Finally, the author points to the most promising avenue for further research into violent radicalization in Europe – framing theory – and to the specific issues and questions highlighted by such an approach.