Abstract
The majority of studies conclude that socio-economic factors are poor indicators of terrorism. Yet factors such as poverty and education continue to be portrayed as fundamental drivers of terrorist violence in political rhetoric and practice targeted at preventing terrorism.
At first glance, the global financial crisis has certainly brought about distinctive conditions. These include:
A widespread lack of economic growth,
youth unemployment rates of over 50% in countries like Spain and Greece
increasing levels of anti-austerity unrest across Europe, and
rumours of contingency plans to restrict immigration in countries in the event of a financial collapse.
Does the current socio-economic landscape create the perfect storm for domestic, home-grown terrorist group recruitment? The resounding response to this question is ‘perhaps’
At first glance, the global financial crisis has certainly brought about distinctive conditions. These include:
A widespread lack of economic growth,
youth unemployment rates of over 50% in countries like Spain and Greece
increasing levels of anti-austerity unrest across Europe, and
rumours of contingency plans to restrict immigration in countries in the event of a financial collapse.
Does the current socio-economic landscape create the perfect storm for domestic, home-grown terrorist group recruitment? The resounding response to this question is ‘perhaps’
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Specialist publication | NATO Review Magazine |
| Publisher | NATO |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2012 |
Keywords
- Violent radicalisation
- Socio-economic factors
- Education
- Poverty
- Domestic terrorism
- Terrorism