DYNAMICS OF RADICALIZATION THE "e;RELIGIOUS"e; NEXUS JIHAD - FAR RIGHT - ORGANIZED CRIME

Humans, in their essence, have an intrinsic religious dimension, often referred to as "e;Homo Religiosus."e; This natural inclination drives individuals to seek meaning, transcendence, and a sense of belonging that goes beyond the material realm. This fundamental component of human existence, characterised by a profound spiritual thirst and the search for truth and ultimate meaning, may in some cases create a unique vulnerability. Criminal organizations and terrorist groups have long recognized and strategically exploited these needs and religious and spiritual tendencies for their own nefarious purposes. Such exploitation manifests itself in various forms, from radicalization, recruitment, the maintenance of control, justification of violence and consolidation of power. This essay will explore the multiple ways in which manipulation occurs in different contexts, from the Italian Mafia to jihadist and far-right terrorism, also touching on gang violence in ULTRAS contexts, examining the connection with totalitarian ideologies, the disputed contiguity between Islam and right-wing extremism, the religious nuances of Nazism, and the construction of personality cults around totalitarian figures.