Representation of Radicalization in John Updike’s Terrorist: Towards a New Security Model

Abstract

This research presents a dynamic model of radicalization and tests it in the theoretical realm by conducting a case study of the protagonist Ahmad Ashmawy Mulloy from John Updike's novel ‘Terrorist'. The purpose of the research is to understand the nature of radicalization by examining its literary representation in Updike’s work. The research questions address the causes and effects of radicalization in immigrant Muslim populations in the USA along with exploring possible means of de-radicalization. The study employs a Conical Model of Causal Factors and Behavioural Cues of Radicalization as its theoretical framework. The assessment of Updike's protagonist reveals that radicalization is a politically loaded term and the process is born of causes operating at national, institutional, personal and private levels. It is suggested that the Conical Model be applied in security studies for further evaluation and critique.