The UN’s sustainable development goal 16 in Belgium: countering Jihadist radicalization to violent extremism

Abstract

The unforeseen spike in Jihadist homegrown terrorist attacks, extremist organizations and foreign fighter mobilization experienced in Europe from 2012-2017 re-opened the debate regarding the root causes accounting for such a phenomenon, with the intent of thwarting it in future occasions. In Belgium, the situation was paradigmatic due to the growth of powerful recruitment networks, partly responsible for plotting attacks inside and outside the country, and for contributing to the country’s highest per capita rate in Western Europe of departed foreign fighters. The existing literature on the topic remains inconclusive regarding the underlying factors of terrorism, thereby hindering the ability of scholars to reach a consensus on the best practices for prevention. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, the prevailing explanations reject purely individual or psychological (micro) reasons in favor of a combination of group (meso) and structural (macro) dynamics. Incorporating a comprehensive theoretical review and four interviews to experts, this dissertation aims at elucidating a coherent description of the identified rationales behind radicalization to Jihadist violent extremism in Belgium. In line with the findings of other studies, special weight is accorded to push factors – such as strained relations and real or perceived socioeconomic grievances – and pull factors – such as available networks and propaganda narratives. Following the critical security studies tradition, a set of policy recommendations to counter violent extremism is given, which span not only intelligence, surveillance, or repressive measures, but also cover a currently missing focus on democratic alternatives to political expression, intergroup dispute resolution and community empowerment.