Youth radicalisation towards violent extremism is a global phenomenon that
threatens peace, security and stability. The evidence on the factors that may contribute to the dynamics of youth radicalization is reviewed in this paper. Available findings from East Africa and the Horn of Africa, West Africa and the Sahel, and North Africa are used to understand the dynamics that may contribute to radicalization and, potentially, to violent extremism. Many factors emerge including political, economic, social and individual factors. Religion, identity and gender also arise as topics for further analysis. Youth radicalisation is a complex phenomenon that cannot be attributed to any one explanation or set of factors. This paper recognizes these complexities, offers recommendations and identifies additional issues that should be explored further.
