Abstract: The lecture will provide an overview of the concept of “ideology” through a political science lens and how it is normally applied in counterterrorism and especially preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) work, such as deradicalization and disengagement programs. The talk will introduce the audience to the ideological morphology concept by Michael Freeden and discuss its use for practical P/CVE work. Furthermore, the presentation will discuss the issue of ideological knowledge as a determinant of the degree of violent extremist radicalization and the need for a paradigm shift in CT and P/CVE regarding the understanding and practical handling of the term “ideology”.