The ABC Model: Clarifications and Elaborations

This article responds to Clark McCauley's commentary on our Attitudes-Behaviors Corrective (ABC) Model of Violent Extremism, in which he contrasts our framework with his own two pyramids model (developed with Sophia Moskalenko). In particular, we focus on further distinguishing between the core and optional extra elements of our ABC model, elaborating on how our interpretation deals with individuals who seemingly become involved in violence in the interests of the group, unpacking the concept of ideology through our ABC lens, and providing recommendations on how to measure attitudes and behaviors in a context specific manner.

Automated summary

This article responds to a commentary on the Attitudes-Behaviors Corrective (ABC) Model of Violent Extremism, comparing it with another model developed by Clark McCauley and Sophia Moskalenko. It further distinguishes the core and optional extra elements of the ABC model, explains how the model interprets individuals involved in violence for the interests of the group, unpacks the concept of ideology, and provides recommendations on measuring attitudes and behaviors in specific contexts.