Yousaf, F. (2020). Islamic State and Kin Terrorism in the Post-COVID-19 South Asia: Exploring the Possibilities and Implications. Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses. 12(5). 21-25
URL: https://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CTTA-September-2020.pdf
Synopsis:
Since territorial and organisational setbacks in Iraq and Syria, coupled with improvements in financial and border controls, the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group is employing unconventional strategies to attract recruits, such as the use of kinship and family networks. This paper discusses the potential of kinship and family ties in IS’ terror recruitment in South Asia. This study underscores that kin terrorism remains understudied in South Asia and requires systematic investigation for a better understanding in relation to terrorist recruitment. The paper concludes with the recommendation that future CT and PCVE strategies in South Asia should factor in kin terrorism and the role of familial networks in recruitment and radicalisation to effectively counter the twin threats of extremism and terrorism.
Dr Farooq Yousaf 