Jihadist Terrorist Organization Usage of Foreign Fighters: An Analysis of the Factors Surrounding the Recruitment, Motivation, and Usage of Foreign Fighters

Abstract

Terrorism is an important issue in foreign affairs, and the recruitment methods of terrorist organizations have been of central focus. More so, how does this recruitment play a role in not only Middle Eastern countries but in the Western countries as well? This paper examines how jihadist terrorist organizations have recruited people from western civilizations to join their organizations and the commonalities of these foreign fighters. Centrally, what rational and metarational factors lead to the successful recruitment of foreign fighters? This paper steps into the shoes of three foreign fighters to provide an case study analysis and a deeper understanding of how and why these people join jihadist terrorist organizations. It examines the situation and factors that surround these foreign fighters, from their country of origin to their personal lives. There is no one reason that people choose to become foreign fighters, but there are common themes that can be analyzed. The most common factors explained in this paper include existing Jihadist connection, personal social exclusion, pursuit of Islam, disillusionment with the West, and sense of community. This grouping of factors is by no means exhaustive or mutually exclusive, but provides a guideline for identifying commonality. This topic is essential to counterterrorism efforts in Western countries. Preventing a flow of dedicated foreign insurgents to terrorist organizations can help reduce their impact and help increase international security. The more that can be understood about the reasons of this phenomenon, from both the perspective of the foreign fighters and jihadist terrorist organizations, the easier it will be to eliminate this international security concern. The ability to proactively identify threats can help eliminate domestic terror and cut off the supply of support to organizations centered in the Middle East.