McCauley-Moskalenko Two-Pyramid Model
Definition
Conceptual framework (Friction, 2011) distinguishing the opinion pyramid (distribution of extreme views) from the action pyramid (distribution of extremist behaviour). The two are partially independent: movement up the opinion pyramid does not directly predict movement up the action pyramid.
- Source
- McCauley and Moskalenko, Friction, 2011
- Two pyramids
- Opinion pyramid, action pyramid
- Opinion pyramid tracks
- Distribution of extreme views
- Action pyramid tracks
- Distribution of extremist behaviour
Common questions
Why does the model separate belief from behaviour?+
The authors argue that holding extreme views and committing extremist acts are only partially linked, so someone can hold radical opinions without ever moving toward violence, and conversely violent actors do not always hold the most extreme stated views, which complicates prevention efforts aimed only at opinion.
How is this used in threat assessment?+
It cautions analysts against treating radical rhetoric as a direct proxy for violence risk, encouraging separate assessment of behavioural indicators such as planning, capability, and intent rather than relying on expressed ideology alone.
Related terms
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