Essential question
Why do you think some people join violent extremist groups?
In 2012, American-born Jesse Morton was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for his role in running a pro-jihadist website that inspired a number of terrorist plots, according to the FBI.
Now, just four years later, Morton is free and has been hired as a terrorism analyst at a George Washington University think tank.
At around the time of his arrest and while he was in prison, Morton began to have serious doubts about the path of violent extremism he had taken.
While he says it is not an excuse, Morton’s childhood was tumultuous and wrought with abuse, which caused Morton to reject American culture and search for a new identity. Morton became radicalized and converted to an extremist form of Islam. He became extremely political and lived a dual life while attending Columbia University’s prestigious School of International and Public Affairs.
Morton’s decision to go undercover and assist in counterterrorism efforts while in prison changed his path profoundly.
“If I am willing to sacrifice in the past so much to promote such a disgusting ideology, then I think that, if I’m sincere in my reform, I should be as equally dedicated and equally passionate about trying to repair some of the damage that I have done,” Morton said.
Top counterterrorism analysts in Washington soon sought him out for advice on how to identify suspected terrorists.
“This analysis will come from the inside, firsthand from somebody who has lived it and has played a prominent role in that scene,” said Lorenzo Vidino of George Washington University.
Key terms
violent extremism
— the actions or beliefs of people who support or use violence in order to achieve religious, ideological or political goals
counterterrorism
— political or military activities designed to prevent or stop terrorism
radicalize
— to cause a person to become an advocate of radical political or social reform
jihad
— (note: multiple definitions exist and are sometimes misconstrued) a war fought by Muslims to spread or defend their beliefs; a personal struggle in devotion to Islam especially involving spiritual discipline
Warm up questions (
before
watching the video)
1. What is terrorism?
2. What are some examples of violent extremism?
3. Do you think it’s possible for a person to deradicalize?
Critical thinking questions (
after
watching the video)
1. What is your reaction to Jesse Morton’s explanation as to why he followed the path he did which led him to support violent extremism?
2. Do you think George Washington University should have hired Morton? Why or why not?
3. What have been the effects of social media on terrorism and counterterrorism efforts?