The Radicalisation of Prison Inmates: Exploring Recruitment, Religion and Prisoner Vulnerability

Authors

  • Elizabeth Mulcahy Faculty of Arts, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Shannon Merrington School of Business, St. Lucia Campus, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  • Peter Bell Faculty of Law, School of Justice, Gardens Point Campus, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland

Keywords:

radicalisation; terrorism; prisons

Abstract

It should come as no surprise that prisons can become breeding grounds for radicalisation and terrorism [1]. In many cases, extremist ideologies can flourish in prisons through recruiting vulnerable inmates to follow their path. Despite being a popular topic among researchers and policymakers, there still remain significant gaps in our understanding and many unanswered questions. This paper provides an overview on prisoner radicalisation, specifically exploring the role religion plays in prison and its link to radicalisation, prisoner vulnerability to radicalisation and the radicalisation process. The paper also outlines the current debate regarding where is the best place to house terrorist prisoners (isolation vs. separation). The paper concludes by identifying the major gaps in the literature and offers concluding remarks.

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Published

2013-09-02

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2013): Volume 9, Issue 1 (2013)

Section

Research Articles