ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the question of what ISIS does to prevent people from disengagement. Given the violent and brutal nature of the group, it is natural that some recruits would (and do) feel disappointed and regretful and try to leave. The chapter shows how ISIS uses so-called guilt-relieving mechanisms, such as shifting the blame on to someone else; presentation of one’s actions as justified and avoidance of presenting oneself in a negative light; and avoiding responsibility for one’s actions. These mechanisms are aimed to trigger the process of rationalisation in supporters (i.e. encourage them to find a rational explanation and justification for their emotional decision to join) and bring them to the state of “guiltless hedonism” – a state whereby they focus on the pleasures and benefits of being part of the group as opposed to the negatives.
