Countering Jihadist Ideology among Detainees: The Effects and Effectiveness of De-Radicalization Programs

Investigator:

Arie Kruglanski

Through existing relationships with leaders of the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG), this research team will have the opportunity to collect unique data from detainees who have been involved with Jemmah Islamiya, as well as from family members of these detainees. Data collection will involve: (1) structured interviews with the clerics carrying out the program, (2) content analysis of their manuals and printed materials used in the de-radicalization work, (3) structured interviews with imprisoned and released terrorists and insurgents, (4) a battery of questionnaires designed to tap the subjects attitudes toward jihad, toward the US, and toward the rehabilitation program as such, (5) questionnaires assessing the detainees relevant personality variables and social roles in the J.I. organization. In addition to collecting the self-report data mentioned above, we will carry out an implicit analysis of the language used by the clerics and the inmates, and observe the changes it may under go over time.

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