Citation

Gómez Á, Atran S, Chinchilla J, Vázquez A, López-Rodríguez L, Paredes B, Martinez M, Blanco L, Alba B, Bautista H, Fernández S, Pozuelo-Rubio F, González-Álvarez JL, Chiclana S, Valladares-Narganes H, Alonso M, Ruíz-Alvarado A, López-Novo JL, Davis R. Sci. Rep. 2022; 12(1): e2596.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1038/s41598-022-06590-0

PMID

35173239

PMCID

PMC8850476

Abstract

Is terrorism just another form of criminal activity, as many nations' justice systems assume? We offer an initial answer using face-to-face interviews and structured surveys in thirty-five Spanish prisons. Recent theories of extreme sacrifice inform this direct observational and comparative study. Islamist terrorists display levels of self-sacrifice for their primary reference group similar to that of Latino gangs, but greater willingness to sacrifice for primary values than other inmates (non-radical Muslims, Latino gangs, and delinquent bands). This disposition is motivated by stronger perceived injustice, discrimination, and a visceral commitment to such values (risk/radicalization factors). Nevertheless, state authorities, prison staff, and families are (protective/de-radicalization) factors apt to reduce willingness to sacrifice and keep foreign fighters, now being released in large numbers, from returning to terrorism.

Language: en