Formers: Interviews with former extremists

Here you will find primary data from former extremists, including a bibliography of published (auto)biographies and a collection of interviews (in 2021).

Interviews with former extremists provide rich sources of data on processes of radicalisation and engagement as well as disengagement, deradicalisation and reintegration into mainstream society.

There is a high demand for such interviews but only a few formers are willing. C-REX is developing a set of resources to reduce the need to make ever more original interviews with formers. We will provide:

  • An annotated bibliography of published (auto)biographies with former extremists of different ideological leanings, including books and substantial interviews in newspapers, magazines and TV/film. See resources.
  • A collection of interviews with former extremists, carried out by the C-REX team and partners. The recorded interviews will be transcribed and (if necessary) anonymised. Interviewees consent that their interviews are released for research. Academic researchers and students may apply for access. Target: 25 original interviews available by late 2021.

Resources: accounts of former extremists

Project participants