Part I - Pathways to Radicalization: How Teens Are Drawn In

An in-depth discussion on how and why teenagers become vulnerable to extremist ideologies. This session explored the real-world pathways that can lead a young person from curiosity or grievance to full ideological commitment, beginning with a first-hand family account of a teen’s radicalization. The panel examined adolescent identity formation, the search for belonging and purpose, and psychological factors that can increase susceptibility to extremist narratives. The conversation also focused on the online media environment, including how social media platforms, misinformation, and high-production propaganda normalize and amplify extremist views. Together, these discussions aimed to clarify how emotional needs and digital ecosystems intersect to pull teens toward radicalization. 

Panelists include:

• Sandra Bradley: Parent of a teen who was radicalized
• Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern: Director of Trauma Training and Services, Parents for Peace; lecturer, Harvard Medical School
• Jacob Ware: Non-resident fellow, Illiberalism Studies Program, George Washington University

This event was moderated by the Program on Extremism Senior Research Fellow David Collins.