The process is similar if not the same in some cases for the recruitment of volunteers. It takes a certain set of conditions that exist for the potential recruit and then a very good socialization process. We do it in the military, we do it in some of the most successful big businesses, its done by those companies that rely on independent sales such as Mary Kay and Amway. Of course, these groups don't resort to violence but its the same process to varying degrees. The recruit comes to believe in the group and the group goals and will do whatever is asked to achieve those goals. And of course, religion appeals to the recruit on an emotional, spiritual and psychological level more so than other groups such as single issue groups like Earth First. Religion holds out hope - hope for a better life, hope for an afterlife, hope for rewards for sacrifices, etc. The process is a slide.
This slide is a socialization process that takes an individual who is searching for something, something that can make senses out of every day life and all its warts. As social animals we naturally gravitate towards the group. It is through the group dynamic that the recruit becomes a believer. The recruit has values of ethnicity, religion, culture, family, and in some cases a sense of belonging to a nation. The group dynamic is ideal for the co-opting and socialization of the recruit. The small group is like-minded and have similar shared values. By surrendering to the group and its collective values the recruit slowly becomes socialized as a believer. The recruit will put aside or subordinate his or her own specific values for the group's values. The closer and tighter knit the group is the more reinforced the values – eventually the believer will do anything asked by the group. Add in a shared traumatic event such as participation in a war or a training camp and the group bonds become even more complete. This process is very close to how military forces develop soldiers through the recruiting and training process. Many cults have used the same process for developing new members. Although the process is one of socialization, the underlying concept is one of normal psychology of the individual, meaning that the individual does not require nor suffer from abnormal psychology. Some argue that terrorists suffer from psychological problems which is not the case in the majority of terrorists studied.
These patterns are not specific to the Muslim culture or indeed any culture or religion. Any member of any culture or religion can find themselves in these situations. This is the same process for gangs. What is unique is that in looking for something, the potential recruit becomes open to the socialization process.
