Preventing Radicalization among Internally Displaced People in Syria and Iraq

Authors: Karl Kaltenthaler (University of Akron) and Arie Kruglanski (University of Maryland)

This publication was released as part of the SMA project, “CENTCOM Regional and Population Dynamics in the Central Region.”  For more information regarding this project, please click here.

Key Questions Motivating Study

• How do you protect an at-risk population from extremism in an IDP camp? 
• How do you build community resilience to help prevent radicalization? 
• How do you triage and segregate persons in IDP/refugee camps that have varying degrees of radicalization?

Abstract

There are tremendous numbers of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Syria and Iraq as a consequence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).  The IDPs are a mix of people; men, women, children and those who are radicalized into ISIS ideology and those who are not.  The potential for spreading radicalization into ISIS ideology is high given the conditions most IDPs in Syria and Iraq live under.  This study argues that the most important ingredients for radicalization are the presence of human needs, networks of trusted others who are radicalized, and a narrative that seems to resonate with the potentially radicalizing individual.  The most important need in radicalizing an individual is the need for significance.  This is the need to feel that one matters, that one has purpose in life, and others care about them.  While physical conditions in the camps are very poor as well, with shortages or food, water, security, etc., these conditions reinforce the sense among camp residents that they are not cared for and they do not matter to those who run the camps.  This study employs interview data collected at Al Hawl camp in Syria on behalf of SOJTF/OIR to determine what needs are must salient among the IDPs.  Conditions in Al Hawl camp are rife with significance-diminishing factors for the inhabitants.  There are also many individuals who are already radicalized in the camp who can appeal to those suffering from significance loss.  The primary recommendation offered here is that the most effective immediate strategy to reduce the likelihood of spreading radicalization in the IDP camps is to give the residents a sense of voice and empowerment in their lives.  This means establishing representative bodies for camp residents, creating outreach to the community outside of the camps, and giving camp residents educational and other types of opportunities that give them a sense of agency in their lives.

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This publication was released as part of the SMA project, “CENTCOM Regional and Population Dynamics in the Central Region.”  For more information regarding this project, please click here.