Age-structured social interactions enhance radicalization

ABSTRACT Disaffected youth are among the most susceptible in espousing extremist ideals, as confirmed by demographic studies. We study age-dependent radicalization via a three-stage model where individuals progress through non-radical, activist, and radical states while also aging. Transitions are modeled as age-dependent interactions that are maximized for individuals of the same age and that are enhanced at early adulthood. For comparison, we also derive the age-independent formulation corresponding to our model. We find that age dependence enhances radicalization and leads to waves of radical behavior ebbing and flowing over generational cycles, realizing well-known sociological paradigms. While government intervention is most effective when the appropriate ages are targeted, whether preventive or corrective action is preferable depends on the aggressiveness of the radicalization process.