How to Talk About People Disengaging from Violent Extremism

Around the world, many countries face a challenging security question: what to do with citizens who have joined violent extremist groups. While many face criminal trial, thousands who traveled to live with ISIS will have to reintegrate into their communities, meaning rehabilitation must play a central role in any realistic security approach. Based on experience and research, this rehabilitation is possible through a two-way “re-humanization” effort. Yet we currently lack the language in public discourse to talk about those disengaging from violent extremism without reinforcing stigmas that hinder reconciliation.

It is critical for returning persons and community members to again see and treat each other as people with whom they share a basic human nature. Prosocial engagement between returning persons and community members and institutions is key to that effort. However, public discourse insists on using language steeped in fear and anger: the returning persons are “terrorists,” “jihadists,” “ISIS brides,” or “fighters.” The stigma this language produces is a self-fulfilling prophecy—it impedes empathy, erects barriers to prosocial engagement, and perpetuates the isolation and dehumanization that often fuels violent radicalization in the first place.

Join USIP on August 6 as we discuss the cognitive underpinnings of language and perception in violent radicalization and rehabilitation. The panel will explore examples of other social challenges where the deliberate use of language has been used to reduce stigma and create opportunities for prosocial engagement for highly stigmatized populations.

For more information about this event, visit

Speakers:

Dr. Arie Kruglanski

Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland

Shannon Martinez

Consultant for the prevention and disruption of targeted identity violence

Dr. Hollie Nyseth-Brehm

Associate Professor of Sociology, The Ohio State University

Dr. Paul Thibodeau

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Oberlin College and Conservatory

Leanne Erdberg, moderator

Director, Countering Violent Extremism, U.S. Institute of Peace

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The United States Institute of Peace is an independent national institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. USIP pursues this vision on the ground in conflict zones, working with local partners to prevent conflicts from turning to bloodshed and to end it when they do. The Institute provides training, analysis, and other resources to people, organizations, and governments working to build peace.