Work

Early Detection of Lone-Wolf Radicalization: The Role of Conversational Artificial Intelligence

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article reveals the potential of conversational artificial intelligence as an early-warning tool in detecting lone-wolf radicalization. Drawing on psychological approaches to radicalization, particularly Moghaddam's "staircase to terrorism" and Horgan's model of terrorist engagement, the study analyzes how dialogue-based AI systems might identify behavioral and linguistic cues of extremist trajectories. The research also evaluates the ethical and governance implications of integrating AI into a counter-radicalization framework concerning the EU AI Act and UNESCO's Recommendation on AI Ethics. The paper claims that the responsible deployment of AI can complement traditional prevention mechanisms by enhancing situational awareness and early intervention capacities. Ultimately, the study contributes to bridging the gap between digital ethics and security studies by offering an agenda for ethically aligned, preventive AI governance.

Source: AJIT-e Academic Journal of Information Technology

DOI: 10.5824/ajite.2026.01.001.x

Author: Birce Beşgül

Institution: Police Academy

Language: English

Topic: Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $26