Engineers of Jihad

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The violent actions of a few extremists can significantly alter history, yet there remains a considerable gap in our understanding of these individuals. In their exploration, Diego Gambetta and Steffen Hertog reveal two surprising findings: a disproportionate number of Islamist radicals come from engineering backgrounds, and both Islamist and right-wing extremism share more similarities than either does with left-wing extremism, where engineers are notably absent. They address four key questions regarding extremism: What socioeconomic conditions lead individuals to join extremist groups? Does the profile of extremists indicate self-selection into extremism or recruitment by groups? How important is ideology in determining group affiliation? Lastly, is there a specific mindset that predisposes individuals to certain types of extremism? By examining these questions, the authors provide fresh perspectives on the motivations behind political violence, offering unexpected insights into the nature and emergence of extremism. Their findings challenge conventional wisdom and deepen our understanding of the complex factors that drive individuals toward radicalization.