Abstract

Returning foreign fighters represent one of the most serious concerns in the current fight against international terrorism, and is an issue repeatedly flagged by government and the media. Such individuals have already been involved in carrying out serious terrorist attacks, and as growing numbers of such veterans return from conflict zones, fears mount about the problems they bring with them. This talk explores the some of the critical issues and challenges posed by foreign fighters today. Some myths about these individuals are identified and tackled, and the session highlights what emerging research tells us about the reality of the threat posed by foreign fighters, and the trajectories they take following conflict overseas. Some implications for government policy and practice are discussed.

About the Speaker

Professor Andrew Silke holds a Chair in Criminology at the University of East London where he is the Field Leader for Criminology, and the Programme Director for Terrorism Studies. He has published extensively on terrorism, conflict, crime and policing issues. In the United Kingdom he has been consulted by the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, the prison service, the London Metropolitan Police as well as several other UK police forces. Overseas he has worked with the United Nations, the US Department of Justice, the US Department of Homeland Security, NATO, the European Defence Agency, the European Commission, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Professor Silke has been a much respected contributor to debates within the media. His work has also been the focus of a number of television documentaries primarily on issues relating to terrorism, the psychology of conflict, and the psychology of crisis situations.