understanding radicalization to violence

Radicalization to violence occurs when a person or group takes on extreme ideas and begins to think they should use violence to support or advance them, either in Canada or abroad. These beliefs can fall along a wide spectrum of ideologies. The reasons why an individual may be vulnerable to radicalization to violence are complex. Vulnerable individuals do not have one single profile and are not limited to a single group, social class, religion, culture, ethnicity, gender identity, age group or worldview. It is important to recognize that radicalization, or having radical thoughts, is not illegal or necessarily problematic  The Canadian Constitution, through the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, protects Canadians’ freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression. As a centre of excellence, the Canada Centre is developing expertise in understanding radicalization to violence in the Canadian context and the most effective ways to counter it. This includes listening and learning from communities, key federal, provincial and territorial partners, police, and other experts. We prioritize efforts which fall within three broad categories: early prevention, at-risk prevention and disengagement from violent ideologies.