Preventing Radicalization and Violence: Field Research in Colombia.

The present research aims to unravel the processes related to extreme behavior in favor of a group, values, and/or a leader. The main deficiencies of previous approaches are: (1) theoretical (limited consensus on the nature and causes); (2) empirical (infrequent access to populations of interest); and (3) methodological (research designs that do not allow testing causality, lack of comparative studies, and excessive reliance on qualitative data).

This project introduces the first multi-theoretical, multi-method framework for studying the nature of extreme behavior. Such behavior can be expressed to defend the citizenry (by state security forces and bodies) or to exert radical violence (as in the case of terrorism). Understanding the nature of these behaviors will help us to promote them for security and protection purposes, and to prevent or reduce them when they are linked to collective violent actions.

To this end, this project carries out cross-sectional and experimental studies in 40 countries, as well as fieldwork with individuals at risk of radicalization, terrorists, ex-terrorists, and members of state security forces from various countries. The ultimate goal, in addition to scientific progress, is to be useful for practical application.

Dr. Ortiz-Ayala established connections with the School of Non-Commissioned Officers and Executive Level "Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada" Colonel Quilian Wilfredo Novoa Piñeros of the National Police of Colombia, who agreed to collaborate on this project aimed at supporting curricular and structural reforms in the Colombian police. During her visit to Colombia, she was accompanied by Dr. Celia Serrano Montilla and the pre-doctoral student Naroa Carrasco Sanchez. Together, they managed to collect around 1,000 surveys and conducted 4 focus groups.