What does it mean to be an extremist? The word might call up images of political violence or terrorism,

but extreme behaviors are all around us and can be a force for good as well as destruction.

Extreme single-mindedness and focus can spur scientists to make new discoveries and artists to create great art. Today we're going to

talk to two psychologists about the psychology of the extreme. What drives people to extreme

behaviors both constructive and destructive? Is there an extremist personality? And if so,

is it something you're born with? Is there a connection between extremism and mental illness?

How does social media drive extremism? Is the world becoming more extreme? And can psychological

research on extremism suggest ways to reach people at risk of turning violent or harming others?

Welcome to Speaking of Psychology, the flagship podcast of the American Psychological Association

that examines the links between psychological science and everyday life.

I'm Kim Mills.

I have two guests today. First is Dr. Ari Kruglanski, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of Maryland

and a founding co-director and co-principal investigator of NC START, the National Center for the Study of Terrorism and the Response to Terrorism.

His research interests include violent extremism, political activism, the quest for significance

and closed-mindedness. Dr. Kuglansky is the author of more than 400 academic articles,

chapters, and books. He has won many awards for his work, including APA's

2025 award for distinguished scientific contributions. Next is Dr. Sophia Moskalenko, a research

fellow at Georgia State University and a program management specialist at the UN Office of

Counterterrorism Behavioral Insights Hub.

She's a social and clinical psychologist who studies extremism, terrorism, and radicalization,

and was previously a researcher at NC START.

Dr. Moskalenko and Dr. Kuglansky are co-authors of a new book called The Psychology of the Extreme,

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