Cultural Aspects of Foreign Travel of Terrorist Fighters from Western Europe to the Middle East in 2011–2021

Keywords: terrorism, Islamic State, ISIS, radicalization, multiculturalism

Abstract

The article discusses the cultural reasons for the radicalization of Western European foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) who migrated to Syria and Iraq after 2011 to fight in the ranks of the Islamic State (ISIS) and other jihadist organizations. Literature review and available research findings led to the conclusion that one of the structural reasons for this mobilization was identity problems and a state of anomie found among some Western European youth from immigrant backgrounds. In addition, mobilization in cyberspace played a major role along with efficient recruitment propaganda on social platforms and instant messaging apps.

Author Biography

Tomasz Grabowski, Akademia Ignatianum w Krakowie

Doktor nauk społecznych w zakresie nauk o bezpieczeństwie, rosjoznawca, analityk, adiunkt w Instytucie Nauk o Polityce i Administracji Akademii Ignatianum w Krakowie.

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Published
2021-12-30
How to Cite
[1]
Grabowski, T. 2021. Cultural Aspects of Foreign Travel of Terrorist Fighters from Western Europe to the Middle East in 2011–2021. Perspectives on Culture. 35, 4 (Dec. 2021), 385-404. DOI:https://doi.org/10.35765/pk.2021.3504.22.