Arc of Terrorist Involvement

The “Arc” model identifies critical stages in the development of the terrorist. The distinctions made in this model draw from analogies with criminal careers and are useful in the identification of potential intervention points. This model focuses on the development of terrorist group members, and although there may be points of overlap, it is not intended to explain the development of lone-actor terrorists. The model is comprised of three stages: becoming involved, engagement, and disengagement. For some, a fourth stage, re-engagement, is present.