How do ISIS recruiters target people they plan to radicalise? • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Radicalization
• De-radicalization (and its replacement term: disengagement from violence)
• Vulnerability
• Recruitment
• Prison radicalization
• Social media radicalization
• Far-right extremism
• Far-left extremism
• Counterterrorism strategy
• Intelligence services
• Security services

France's Evolving Counterterrorism Strategy Post-2015 Attacks

The November 13th, 2015 attacks in France served as a significant turning point, prompting a substantial shift in the nation's counterterrorism strategy. A decade later, there is a heightened emphasis on preventing radicalization, with a more profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms. This summary details the evolution of France's approach to combating violent extremism, drawing on insights from experts and real-world examples.

The Prison as a Breeding Ground for Radicalization

Prior to 2015, prisons were identified as a "fertile ground for radicalization," particularly concerning Islamist extremism. Inmates were observed to be radicalizing others, with individuals entering prison for offenses like robbery potentially emerging as radicalized Islamists. This phenomenon occurred "under the nose" of prison staff, necessitating urgent action.

Case Study: Dr. Guiamo's Work in Prisons

Dr. Guiamo, a psychiatrist, began his work in prisons after the 2015 attacks, recognizing a significant lack of understanding regarding radicalization. He has since worked with approximately 150 prisoners identified as radicalized. His approach focuses on identifying their psychological vulnerabilities and susceptibility to recruiters.

• Dr. Guiamo's Perspective: "My job is that of a medical doctor and a psychiatrist. So I'm not interested in the religious question. I'm not interested in the political question. That's not my area. My work is about the psychological mechanisms about the psychological vulnerabilities that cause certain people in certain cases to find themselves indoctrinated into a sectarian and violent ideology."

This highlights that Dr. Guiamo's focus is on the psychological fragility that makes individuals susceptible to extremist ideologies, rather than the ideology itself.

Shifting Terminology: From "De-radicalization" to "Disengagement from Violence"

Professionals in the field have moved away from the term "de-radicalization." This shift is rooted in the French legal principle that individuals have the right to hold any opinion, even radical ones. The focus has therefore moved from changing thoughts to preventing violent actions.

• Key Argument: The right to hold opinions is distinct from the right to express those opinions through violence.
• New Terminology: Professionals now refer to "disengaging from violence," meaning helping individuals abandon the intent to commit violent acts. Dr. Guiamo's work, for instance, aims to help individuals "disengage from the desire to carry out a violent act."

Mechanisms of Recruitment and Vulnerability

The process by which recruiters target individuals, particularly within prisons, has been illuminated through personal testimonies.

Case Study: Karim Mukdari's Experience

Karim Mukdari, who was imprisoned at 18 for armed robbery, described his encounter with a radical Islamist recruiter in prison. He was approached by a "self-proclaimed imam" who, according to Mukdari, was more involved in illicit activities than religious guidance.

• Recruitment Tactics: The recruiter's preaching was "extremely violent, extremely tough," and aimed at exacerbating existing anger and a sense of not belonging. Mukdari was told his duty as a Muslim was to "defend Islam" by killing "infidels."
• Mukdari's Resilience: Mukdari was able to reject this ideology, stating, "It was the first time in my life that I knew how to take a stand by saying no in a determined way. That is not Islam." He had turned to Islam seeking to stop violence, not to be pushed towards more of it.
• Factors of Vulnerability: Mukdari identified his own vulnerability stemming from an "abusive childhood" and a "complicated household," which left him with anger and a search for belonging at 18. This made him an "ideal target for a recruiter."

Mukdari now dedicates his life to sharing his story in prisons to warn young people about the dangers of recruiters.

Contemporary Threats and Evolving Modus Operandi

Ten years on, the threat landscape has evolved significantly. French police and intelligence services are now better equipped to identify and monitor individuals at risk.

Real-World Application: French Police Hotline

The French police operate a telephone hotline, part of the counterterrorism unit, where individuals can anonymously report concerns about someone they know becoming a security risk. This hotline offers anonymous reporting and psychological counseling.

Karina Vata's Observations: Karina Vata, in charge of the counterterrorism unit, noted a shift in the profile of individuals involved in radicalization.

• Shift in Profile: There is a decrease in "hardened" individuals with long-standing ideological convictions and an increase in individuals "sometimes unknown to intelligence services" who can become radicalized "quite quickly, particularly through social media."
• Age Demographics: A significant trend is the increasing radicalization of younger individuals, particularly teenagers, often online via social networks. This is a departure from the profile observed a decade ago.
• Diversification of Extremism: The threat is no longer solely focused on Islamist extremism. Police are observing a rise in far-right and far-left extremists, creating a more complex picture.

Data and Statistics:

• "The proportion of minors monitored for terrorist-related radicalization tripled between 2020 and 2025." While still a small percentage of the total monitored, this indicates a growing prevalence.

Role of Social Media: Social networks are identified as "turbocharging" the recruitment process, enabling faster and more widespread radicalization.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

France's counterterrorism strategy has undergone a significant transformation since the 2015 attacks. While the nation's security and intelligence services are more adept at identifying and monitoring threats, the nature of the threat itself is rapidly changing. Key takeaways include:

• Increased Understanding: There is a much deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind radicalization.
• Focus on Prevention: The strategy now prioritizes preventing radicalization and disengagement from violence over solely attempting to "de-radicalize."
• Evolving Threat Profile: The individuals becoming radicalized are younger, often unknown to authorities, and radicalization is occurring more rapidly, frequently facilitated by social media.
• Diversification of Ideologies: The threat now encompasses far-right and far-left extremism, in addition to Islamist extremism.
• Adaptability is Crucial: The dynamic nature of radicalization necessitates continuous adaptation and vigilance from security services.