Since the events of 11 September 2001, the concept of ‘radicalisation’ has occupied a central place in academic discourse and counter-terrorism practices. At the time, radicalisation was broadly understood as a process by which individuals become willing to support or carry out acts of terrorism. This conceptualisation formed the backbone of numerous counter-terrorism strategies, particularly in the UK, a country often seen as a pioneer in this field. However, recent shifts in the nature of those being labelled as ‘radicalised,’ such as the increasing focus on very young individuals with unclear ideological motivations, have prompted researchers to revisit and question the utility of this concept.

One of the key findings of this study is the growing uncertainty around the role of cognitive and ideological radicalisation in driving terrorism. Traditional understandings that heavily focused on mental attitudes and belief systems are being challenged as authorities encounter individuals who appear to engage in terrorism without a clear ideological framework. This raises critical questions about whether the concept of radicalisation can still serve as a robust explanatory tool for understanding the pathways to terrorism.

A particularly unsettling trend highlighted in the study is the attention now being given to very young people, sometimes teenagers, whose ideological affiliations remain ambiguous. This shift is pressuring counter-terrorism authorities to rethink their frameworks and strategies. The notion that radicalisation is the product of a linear or clearly defined ideological process no longer holds up in many contemporary cases.

Moreover, the reliance on cognitive and attitudinal analysis as a foundational approach to combating terrorism appears increasingly inadequate. Emerging challenges demand a more multifaceted strategy that includes social, psychological, and economic dimensions. This reflects the need for a broader academic and practical lens to address radicalisation as a complex, multidimensional phenomenon.

In light of these developments, the future of the concept of ‘radicalisation’ remains uncertain as a foundational element of counter-terrorism policy. Academic and policy circles must engage in a critical re-evaluation and recalibration to align their understanding with the evolving complexities of modern societies in Europe and beyond.