Supporting political violence: The role of ideological passion and social network

Abstract

This research examines how social networks contribute to the process of radicalization, building on work showing that obsessive (vs. harmonious) passion for a cause is linked to greater support for political violence. Study 1 ( N = 331) shows that obsessive (vs. harmonious) passion is related to affiliating with radical (vs. moderate) social networks, which in turn is associated with support for political violence. Study 2 ( N = 381) provides experimental evidence for this phenomenon, by showing that inducing an obsessive mindset produces a greater proclivity to connect with radical activists, which in turn is associated with greater support for political violence. Drawing from social network analysis, Study 3 ( N = 366) shows that network density intensifies obsessively passionate individuals’ affiliation to radical networks. The results offer insight into the group processes behind radicalization across different cultural contexts and ideologies.