Diego Gambetta Livres

The violent actions of a few extremists can significantly alter history, yet there remains a considerable gap in our understanding of these individuals. In their exploration, Diego Gambetta and Steffen Hertog reveal two surprising findings: a disproportionate number of Islamist radicals come from engineering backgrounds, and both Islamist and right-wing extremism share more similarities than either does with left-wing extremism, where engineers are notably absent. They address four key questions regarding extremism: What socioeconomic conditions lead individuals to join extremist groups? Does the profile of extremists indicate self-selection into extremism or recruitment by groups? How important is ideology in determining group affiliation? Lastly, is there a specific mindset that predisposes individuals to certain types of extremism? By examining these questions, the authors provide fresh perspectives on the motivations behind political violence, offering unexpected insights into the nature and emergence of extremism. Their findings challenge conventional wisdom and deepen our understanding of the complex factors that drive individuals toward radicalization.

How do criminals communicate with each other? Unlike others, those planning crimes cannot freely advertise their services or rely on formal institutions for dispute resolution. They face intense dilemmas regarding trust, credibility, and information handling without detection by rivals or law enforcement. This work explores the communication methods of criminals from ancient Rome to modern gangs in Japan, as well as within prisons and among terrorist and pedophile rings. The author reveals how criminals navigate the balance between the allure of reward and the fear of punishment, leading to unexpected ingenuity in their communication strategies. Gambetta uncovers the logic behind various behaviors, such as how tattoos and scars serve as a criminal résumé, why inmates use violence to assert dominance, and the significance of nicknames and mimicry of mafia films among mobsters. Additionally, deliberate self-harm and crime disclosure are used strategically to convey messages. By decoding these signals in a lawless environment, this incisive and entertaining exploration enhances our understanding of criminal behavior and communication.