Pathways of Foreign Fighters: An in-Depth and Comparative Study Based on Dutch Probation Files

Fabienne Thijs; Elanie Rodermond; Edward R. Kleemans

doi:10.1080/1057610X.2023.2221509

Pathways of Foreign Fighters: An in-Depth and Comparative Study Based on Dutch Probation Files

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Abstract

Foreign fighter (FF) backgrounds and their pathways have been studied before, yet most work is based on open sources. In this article, we examine FFs by examining uniquely acquired data from Dutch probation files. Focusing on profound life events and using insights from social control theorists and the concept of redemption, we provide a general overview of the group through different themes. Moreover, unlike most previous studies, we make comparisons between the FFs based on age, sex, and timing of (attempted) travel. Besides empirical findings regarding profound events, mental health and criminal histories, results demonstrate that a radical social (online) environment was critical in becoming a FF. Also, the explorations of the age and sex comparisons demonstrate the necessity of looking beyond the FF group as a whole.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	351-375
Number of pages	25
Journal	Studies in Conflict and Terrorism
Volume	49
Issue number	3
Early online date	4 Jul 2023
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2023.2221509
Publication status	Published - 2026

Funding

This work was supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) Research Talent grant [406.18.527]. We thank the Dutch Probation Service, particularly Ada Andreas and her TER-team and SIBA department colleagues, for their cooperation and dedication to help and provide us with the necessary facilities to conduct our research. Also, a special thanks to the coders: Melissa Eijking, Eva Hortensius, Bodine Koopen, Romy van Kuik, Ike Lahaut, and Annabel de Rooij. Their critical remarks and dedication improved the coding process, both in terms of efficiency as well as quality. Finally, we thank the reviewers for their valuable comments.

Funders	Funder number
Annabel de Rooij
Dutch Probation Service
NWO	406.18.527

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title = "Pathways of Foreign Fighters: An in-Depth and Comparative Study Based on Dutch Probation Files",

abstract = "Foreign fighter (FF) backgrounds and their pathways have been studied before, yet most work is based on open sources. In this article, we examine FFs by examining uniquely acquired data from Dutch probation files. Focusing on profound life events and using insights from social control theorists and the concept of redemption, we provide a general overview of the group through different themes. Moreover, unlike most previous studies, we make comparisons between the FFs based on age, sex, and timing of (attempted) travel. Besides empirical findings regarding profound events, mental health and criminal histories, results demonstrate that a radical social (online) environment was critical in becoming a FF. Also, the explorations of the age and sex comparisons demonstrate the necessity of looking beyond the FF group as a whole.",

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AU - Rodermond, Elanie

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N2 - Foreign fighter (FF) backgrounds and their pathways have been studied before, yet most work is based on open sources. In this article, we examine FFs by examining uniquely acquired data from Dutch probation files. Focusing on profound life events and using insights from social control theorists and the concept of redemption, we provide a general overview of the group through different themes. Moreover, unlike most previous studies, we make comparisons between the FFs based on age, sex, and timing of (attempted) travel. Besides empirical findings regarding profound events, mental health and criminal histories, results demonstrate that a radical social (online) environment was critical in becoming a FF. Also, the explorations of the age and sex comparisons demonstrate the necessity of looking beyond the FF group as a whole.

AB - Foreign fighter (FF) backgrounds and their pathways have been studied before, yet most work is based on open sources. In this article, we examine FFs by examining uniquely acquired data from Dutch probation files. Focusing on profound life events and using insights from social control theorists and the concept of redemption, we provide a general overview of the group through different themes. Moreover, unlike most previous studies, we make comparisons between the FFs based on age, sex, and timing of (attempted) travel. Besides empirical findings regarding profound events, mental health and criminal histories, results demonstrate that a radical social (online) environment was critical in becoming a FF. Also, the explorations of the age and sex comparisons demonstrate the necessity of looking beyond the FF group as a whole.

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DO - 10.1080/1057610X.2023.2221509

M3 - Comment / Letter to the editor

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VL - 49

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EP - 375

JO - Studies in Conflict and Terrorism

JF - Studies in Conflict and Terrorism

IS - 3

ER -

Pathways of Foreign Fighters: An in-Depth and Comparative Study Based on Dutch Probation Files

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