Deradicalization of Foreign Fighters and the Agency of Diaspora

Abstract

This paper bridges research on countering violent extremism (CVE), where the role of ethnic and religious diaspora in deradicalization has been understudied and undertheorized, with diaspora and migration literature, which emphasizes diaspora actors as having their own agency and claim-making potential within larger transnational processes. Based on a review of both literatures and insights from interviews, we identify challenges and opportunities presented by the Austrian context and how they contribute to the understanding of the role of diaspora communities in deradicalization processes. Austria presents a relevant case study for several reasons. First, its radical milieu has a long history beginning with the emergence of the jihadi Salafi scene in the 90s and manifesting with foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) who joined ISIS between 2012 and 2017. Second, Austria hosts diverse diaspora populations that consist of multiple generations and is a highly politicized environment. This paper helps contextualize policy responses to foreign fighters. We argue that while diaspora belonging is not the main factor leading to radicalization, social networks that emerge from diasporas play a role in such processes. Thus, policies should de-emphasize religious and ethnic identities and empower social actors within diaspora communities to promote resilience against radicalization.

Keywords

• diaspora
• deradicalization
• islamophobia
• austria
• balkans