Cognitive scientist Nafees Hamid studies the minds of people drawn to radical or fringe ideas. This week, he takes us on a deep dive into the motivations of people on the brink of extremism — and those who have already been radicalized. We examine what prompts people to turn to violence, and how to pull them back from the seductive appeal of extremist ideas.

Interested in learning more about the themes and ideas we discussed today? Check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes:

Romeo and Juliet in Kigali

Moral Combat

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