Dissertation
How Jihadist Networks Operate
The recent terrorist attacks in Europe are presumably not just acts committed by individuals, but acts facilitated by larger jihadist networks. But how do such networks operate? Understanding their modus operandi can be useful knowledge to counter terrorist threats.
- Author
- Jasper de Bie
- Date
- 14 April 2016
The rise of ISIS and the recent terrorist attacks in Europe have raised a collective alertness for a potential terrorist attack. The presence of jihadist networks in the Netherlands, and the significant outflow of young people to conflict areas in the Middle East to join the jihad, have greatly enhanced this anxiety.
But how are these networks organized and how do they prepare their jihad? How do people get involved in jihadist networks and how important is ideology in that regard? Answering such questions will help to understand how jihadist networks operate, which can be useful knowledge for policy makers and practitioners who aim to counter terrorist threats.
Unique data
In this dissertation, Jasper de Bie uses unique data from police files, interviews, and trial observations, while utilizing different analytical methods. His study provides an in-depth insight into the modus operandi of jihadist networks in the Netherlands.
Zooming in on the group structures, foreign fighting attempts, dissemination of the ideology, criminal activities, and involvement mechanisms, his findings show how jihadist networks have changed over the years and how this development has affected the way jihadists operate.
Promotional video
In this promotional video, De Bie discusses his PhD research.