It is very difficult to point to a single cause. In general, studies on counterterrorism have previously blamed disadvantaged and marginalized groups. However, it is the sense of marginalization, real or perceived, that is the main factor that makes people vulnerable to radicalization. At the time, we saw in the jihadist movements a lot of second-generation youth who were born in Canada and who, as they came of age, realized as practising Muslims that things were very difficult for them because of the hatred that they were experiencing. That was a big part of pushing them towards radicalization.
The same is true of immigration and far-right movements. Many people feel that immigration will take something away from them, make them lose something. This is not borne out by research, but it is this feeling of marginalization that is important. There are also a lot of other vulnerability factors, including family ties, which are very important. What we see is that when people who have good family ties embrace extremism, they are less likely to turn to violence. The general polarization of societal debates is another very important factor.
I think these are the main factors behind the trends we are seeing in Canada right now.