Facing the fourth foreign fighters wave. What drives Europeans to Syria, and to Islamic state? Insights from the Belgian case

The Royal Institute for International Relations is an independent think-tank based in Brussels. Its interdisciplinary research is conducted in a spirit of total academic freedom. Drawing on the expertise of its own research fellows, as well as that of external specialists, both Belgian and foreign, it provides analysis and policy options that are meant to be as operational as possible.This Egmont Paper is a revised, updated and expanded version of the first What drives Europeans to Syria, and to IS? paper. Several new features have been introduced. It proposes a more systematic attempt at understanding why people with different social backgrounds feel attracted to the Islamic State (IS). Two categories of travellers to Syria (a more general term than ‘foreign fighters’) have been identified. The paper also establishes the characteristics of the different foreign fighters waves and suggests five policy recommendations that might effectively contribute to countering the 2016 wave of foreign fighters – and protect a new generation from following suit.

ESO: Background information: Brussels shooting raises fears over European fighters returning from Syria http://www.europeansources.info/record/brussels-shooting-raises-fears-over-european-fighters-returning-from-syria/

Council of the European Union: EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator: Foreign fighters and returnees from a counter-terrorism perspective, in particular with regard to Syria: state of play and proposals for future work, 28.05.14 http://www.statewatch.org/news/2014/jul/eu-council-syrian-fighters-9280-rev1-14.pdf

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