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Featured
Mafia-Jihad: An Intersectional Study on Youth Trajectories and Innovative Models for Security Policies Aimed at Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Radicalization
Project Type
Research
Donor
MAECI
Year
2024
Partners
Siracusa Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights
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Description
One dimension of the neo-contemporary nature of international terrorism sees family relationships and parental radicalization dynamics as increasingly significant.
Jihadist family units serve as a vector, albeit not exclusively, for the transmission of violent ideology and the radicalization of children, leveraging pre-existing bonds of trust and personal interdependence. A notable parallel can be drawn between organized crime and terrorism, where points of comparison are found in the cultural, familial factors of belonging, and the militancy in criminal organizations among mafia offspring, as well as the experiences of radicalization and participation in terrorist networks among underage jihadists. Similar to mafia environments, which are shaped by an upbringing based on the transgression of social norms and the perpetuation of mafia culture across generations, the radicalization of minors towards violent extremism involves ideological socialization, networking, and support structures. Parental radicalization and the spread of terrorist family networks are emerging as an adaptive strategy by terrorist groups to counter the shrinking space for action and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism interventions. Recruitment and radicalization through family ties complicate efforts for detection, monitoring, and prevention, as they are not easily observable.
Over the past two decades, the intersection of terrorist organizations and organized crime has become increasingly apparent. Considering the synergistic characteristics of multi-criminality and their significance within the context of mafia indoctrination and radicalization towards violent extremism in family units, this project presents new avenues for formulating effective policies and intervention strategies. By leveraging Italy's extensive experience in combating the mafia, the project aims to address the emerging challenges posed by international terrorism. It will contribute to the development of pioneering and innovative methodologies in public security, employing a comprehensive, multidimensional, inter-sectoral approach that adheres to the principles of the rule of law.
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Objectives
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Examination of Parallels and Divergences Between Organized Crime and Terrorist Family Networks
To examine the parallels and divergences in family influences and to identify valid parameters from strategies already implemented in combating the Italian mafia that can be adapted to prevent and address youth radicalization.
02
Best Practices and Strategic Recommendations for Preventing Youth Radicalization
To formulate best practices and lessons learned, and to offer recommendations that can coherently inform the development of policies aimed at preventing and addressing youth radicalization.
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Team
Cecilia Polizzi
Principal Investigator
Sergio Nazzaro
Investigator
Nicoló Scremin
Investigator
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Contact Details
Il progetto è in fase di realizzazione grazie al contributo del Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale ai sensi dell’art. 23 bis del D.P.R. 18/1967. Le posizioni contenute nel presente report sono espressione esclusivamente degli autori e non rappresentano necessariamente le posizioni del Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale.