Alone and Radicalized: The Hidden Link Between Isolationism and Political Violence

Authors

• Zaina Siddiqui, Chapman UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-6-2026

Faculty Advisor(s)

Dr. Ann Gordon

Abstract

As some socially isolated individuals come to view political violence as legitimate, what exactly draws the line towards political extremism? My findings examine the relationship between loneliness, social marginalization, and support for political violence through psychological theories on radicalization. Using Chapman University’s American Fear Survey Wave 11, I examined the correlation between isolationism and a sense of belonging, with the latter leading to support for political violence and extremism. The project contributes to research on political extremism by focusing on loneliness as a loss of belonging and personal significance rather than on ideology or pathology alone. In my research, I find a moderate connection: those who spend more time on the internet experience greater isolation in the real world, which could help explain why they find deeper support online. I expect to find that individuals who report higher levels of loneliness and social isolation are more likely to express support for political violence, particularly when these experiences are accompanied by indicators of psychological distress such as anxiety or depression. I further expect that loneliness will remain a significant predictor of support for political violence even when controlling for demographic characteristics, political ideology, and partisanship, suggesting that social disconnection functions as an independent risk factor. These anticipated findings highlight loneliness as a critical but underexamined driver of political extremism and underscore the importance of social belonging for democratic stability. Ultimately, addressing isolationism may be essential not only for individuals' well-being but also for preventing the social conditions that enable political extremism and/or violence.

Comments

Presented at the Spring 2026 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

Recommended Citation

Siddiqui, Zaina, "Alone and Radicalized: The Hidden Link Between Isolationism and Political Violence" (2026). Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters. 829.
https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/cusrd_abstracts/829