Analysis of the radicalization of the 17-A terrorist cell: an empirical approach using the 3N model (Análisis del proceso de radicalización de la célula terrorista del 17-A: una aproximación empírica desde el modelo 3N)

Abstract

Radicalization is a complex process given the fact that several factors interact in it. In order to gain an overview of these factors, a case study was performed of the cell that carried out the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils. The 3N model of radicalization was used, which proposes three factors: needs, narratives and networks. The content of the order handed down by the National High Court and the police proceedings of Mossos d’Esquadra, the police force in Catalonia, were analysed to identify possible indicators of those three factors which may have contributed to the radicalization within the 17-A cell. The results showed the existence of different indicators such as providing a life purpose, giving personal significance, exposure to extremist propaganda materials, the assimilation of values, identity fusion and having a common cause. We conclude by stressing the importance of considering the interaction of multiple factors in understanding radicalization in all its complexity.

Processes of radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism (Procesos de radicalización, extremismo violento y terrorismo)

“…The second article in the monograph uses the 3 N model of radicalization approach, which stresses three fundamental aspects when explaining the violent radicalization process: the need for personal meaning and significance, the narrative that guides the search for meaning and the social network that validates the narrative. Based on this foundation, González et al (2022) present a case study of the cell that carried out the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils. This cell, which was made up of a leader and nine young men, including four pairs of siblings, began to be formed in 2015.…”

“…El segundo artículo del monográfico se aborda desde el modelo 3 N de la radicalización (Kruglanski et al, 2019), enfatizándose tres aspectos fundamentales para explicar el proceso de radicalización violenta: la búsqueda de significado personal, la narrativa y la red social. Partiendo de esos pilares, González et al (2022) presentan un estudio de caso de la célula que llevó a cabo los atentados terroristas de Barcelona y Cambrils. Esta célula, integrada por un líder y nueve jóvenes, entre los cuales había cuatro parejas de hermanos, empezó a fraguarse en el año 2015.…”