Citation

Ashour O. Terrorism Polit. Violence 2011; 23(3): 377-397.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09546553.2011.560218

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article analyzes the global transformations of jihadist movements towards abandoning and de-legitimizing political violence in general and terrorism in particular. It focuses on the de-radicalization process of Libya's largest armed Islamist movement: the Islamic Fighting Group. It analyzes the causes behind those transformations and outlines the necessary conditions for, and policy implications of, successful de-radicalization. The article is mainly based on primary sources, field work, and interviews with former jihadist leaders, mid-ranking commanders, grassroots activists, security and intelligence officers, and state officials.

Language: en

Keywords

de-radicalization; disengagement, ending political violence; Islamism; Jihad; Libya; Middle East; North Africa; radicalization; security; terrorism