Radicalisering in problematische jeugdgroepen

In dit onderzoek is onderzocht welke relatie er bestaat tussen problematische jeugdgroepen in Nederland en radicalisering. Nagegaan is hoe jongeren binnen problematische jeugdgroepen in het recente verleden radicaliseerden en betrokken raakten bij uitreizen naar Syrië en hoe gewoon dit is binnen jeugdgroepen. Directe aanleiding was een casus waarbij een groot deel van de uitreizigers naar Syrië uit Delft uit een grote problematische jeugdgroep afkomstig was. Hiermee werd ook beoogd het begrip van de crime-terror nexus, de link tussen criminaliteit enerzijds en radicalisering, extremisme en terrorisme anderzijds, een stap verder te brengen. Voorafgaand onderscheidden we op basis van de literatuur zes manieren waarop het verband tussen problematische jeugdgroepen en radicalisering tot stand zou kunnen komen. [...

Individual differences in political aggression : the role of social integration, perceived grievances and low self-control

Several models have been suggested for studying (self-reported) aggression. Less frequently, these theories are empirically applied to explain individual differences in political aggression. The present study examines the role of distal, intermediate and proximate mechanisms in a net-sample of 6020 young adults. Using log-linear structural equation modelling, the independent effects of cumulative social integration, perceived personal and group injustices and low self-control are assessed. It is assumed that these factors contribute to the 'crystallization of discontent' by fostering religious authoritarianism, political powerlessness, support for extremist beliefs and online exposure to extremist content. Support for extremist content and online exposure to extremist content are strong predictors, and function as different routes towards political aggression. The results support an integrated approach towards the study of political aggression. Implications for future studies are discussed

Beyond the crime-terror nexus: socio-economic status, violent crimes and terrorism

Purpose: The literature on terrorism suggests a strong link between criminal offending and terrorism – the crime-terror nexus. Building upon a strain theory perspective, the purpose of this paper is to suggest that devalued socio-economic status (i.e. limited education and unemployment) and criminal past define the pool of people from which violent and terror offenders may be recruited. Design/methodology/approach: The current study compares three sources of data on educational and employment characteristics of violent and terror offenders: Dutch statistical data (CBS) including the Police Recognition System (HKS) on violent criminals, the findings on jihadist networks and the open access on European terrorists. Findings: The majority of Dutch violent offenders, foreign fighters and European terrorists have only completed secondary school (or lower) and were unemployed in the year of offending. Half of recent European terrorists had previously been involved in violent crimes and/or had joined jihadi groups abroad. Research limitations/implications: One limitation of the study concerns the exploratory use of secondary and open-access data. While it was impossible to establish causality with the current methodology, these findings highlight the background conditions under which violent and terrorist crime can originate, and suggest one of the mechanisms that shapes the crime-terror nexus. Future research would benefit from more work identifying the causal antecedents to terrorism. Practical implications: Whether relative deprivation is a direct cause or merely an amplifying factor in criminal motivation needs to be scrutinized in future research. However, its consideration may have great implications for policy and law enforcement agencies. Social implications: An individual’s desire to improve status and personal significance by the virtue of illegal activity may be particularly salient in the context of cultural polarization, which manifests as decreased trust and loyalty toward national laws and institutions. Parallel to preventive and security measures, it may be worthwhile to encourage multicultural associations and community networks in support of mutual (interethnic and interreligious) understanding. Originality/value: The paper explores one of the oldest factors that has been suspected of leading to terrorism in lack of economic or educational opportunity. However, the paper also offers a new perspective on how these factors may relate to participation in terrorism. Rather than claiming these factors directly cause terrorism, the authors take a strain theory perspective to argue that these strains induce fewer opportunities to engage in terrorism and provide individuals with the skills/strength to resist de-radicalization or counter-radicalization

Radicalization of Women and Girls

Oppressive socialization approach views specific forms of women's commitment and involvement in terrorism as a reflection of “male practice.” It highlights women's passivity in radicalization processes, leading to controversial conclusions with respect to her (in)ability to make personal choices and decisions. Alternatively, it attributes a woman's radicalization to patriarchal models of socially desirable behavior in terms of submissiveness and maternal‐sacrificial code

Testing a threat model of terrorism: A multi-method study about socio-economic and psychological influences on terrorism involvement in the Netherlands

In this chapter, we presents the results from a multi-method study in the Netherlands into the role of socio-economic and psychological factors underlying terrorism involvement. Building on theories and findings of previous researchers in the field, we present a descriptive model of terrorism that categorizes distal and proximal ‘threat triggers’. In the quantitative part of the study, we analysed a combined data set on suspects of terrorist offenses, a control sample of the general population and a sample of general offenders. Terrorism suspects were more often lower educated, unemployed, and previously involved in crime compared to persons from the general population with the same gender and age. Relatively often, they had lost their job or became imprisoned for another crime a year before they were charged with a terrorist offense. In the qualitative part of the study, we conducted interviews with four detainees from terrorist units, eight detainees charged with traditional crimes (as reference group), and 18 professional informants that had personal experience with current and former detainees on terrorism and other offenses. The results of these interviews suggest that among terrorist offenders, early family experiences, attachment problems, and mental health issues increase feelings of perceived threat, which further justify violent narratives of belonging and significance