# Deradicalization **Entity class:** Cognitive and social change process **Domain:** Rehabilitation / counterterrorism / psychology **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition **Deradicalization** is a process through which commitment to beliefs that justify terrorist violence is reduced or transformed. It concerns cognitive, attitudinal, and social change and may involve counseling, theological or ideological dialogue, family support, education, identity reconstruction, trauma care, and reintegration. Deradicalization is analytically distinct from [[wiki/Disengagement|disengagement]]. A person can stop violent activity without renouncing an ideology, or change beliefs while being unable to leave a group. Evaluation should therefore measure belief, behavior, capability, social ties, and recidivism separately. ## Relationships - **addresses:** [[wiki/Radicalization|Radicalization]]. - **program context:** [[wiki/Countering Violent Extremism|Countering Violent Extremism]] and [[wiki/Prevent Strategy|Prevent Strategy]]. - **distinct from:** [[wiki/Disengagement|Disengagement]]. - **protective layer:** reintegration and community support. ## Sources / Provenance - [UNODC — Technical Assistance Handbook, section on deradicalization and disengagement](https://www.unodc.org/pdf/terrorism/UNODC_Technical_Assistance_Handbook_-_Electronic_ENG.pdf)