Participation in anti-authority protests and vulnerability to radicalisation

Using data from a large, national survey of online Australians, we examined the presence of risk and protective factors for cognitive and behavioural radicalisation among individuals who participated in an anti-authority protest since early 2020. Our results show that antiauthority protesters exhibited more risk factors and fewer protective factors for cognitive and behavioural radicalisation than other respondents, including people who had participated in protests in support of other issues or movements. They were also more likely to justify violence in support of their cause and willing to support or participate in violent or unlawful behaviour on behalf of their group. These findings show that people who participated in anti-authority protests were more vulnerable to radicalisation when compared with other protesters and non-protesters. Our results have implications for responding to protest movements that promote anti-government sentiment, that spread disinformation and that are exploited by malicious actors.