Italian far-right foreign fighters in the Ukrainian war. The long chain of Transnational Recruitment Network (TRN)

ObjectivesThe aim of the article is to present the results of research and observations related to the phenomenon of vigilantism in the context of military operations in Ukraine.MethodsTheoretical research methods were used, such as desk research and literature study. Additionally, monitoring particular causes in Worldwide media has been carried out.ResultsIn the first months of 2022, during the ongoing Russo–Ukrainian war, an “unusual” phenomenon was observed on social media, namely the wrapping of suspected lawbreakers (e.g., marauders and petty thieves) with plastic wrap to structures, such as utility poles. In some cases, such individuals were whipped, chastised, sometimes even left naked and exposed to the elements, and open to mistreatment by passers-by. This raw form of wartime justice is loosely referred to in this article as “plastic wrap civil justice”, and is interpreted as a form of vigilantism. Several examples are provided in the context of the wider literature on vigilantism in times of war.ConclusionsIt is concluded that neither the specific phenomenon of “plastic wrap civil justice”, nor vigilantism more broadly, can provide a sustainable path to peace, civil security and a law-abiding society. In times of war, especially where social equilibrium is at risk and where conventional justice infrastructure, like policing, has broken down, some may take it upon themselves to implement their own form of justice, or vigilantism, in order to restore it. Although not a legally recognized form of justice, vigilantism may reduce crime. However, it introduces a parallel form of justice that may leave fellow citizens vulnerable.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

hi@scite.ai

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

Italian far-right foreign fighters in the Ukrainian war. The long chain of Transnational Recruitment Network (TRN)

Cited by 2 publications

References 41 publications

Far-right European foreign fighters in the Yugoslav and Ukraine wars. Ideological and geopolitical implications between Westernist and Eurasianist radicalisms

Far-right European foreign fighters in the Yugoslav and Ukraine wars. Ideological and geopolitical implications between Westernist and Eurasianist radicalisms

Vigilantism and “Plastic Wrap Civil Justice” in 2022 during the Russo-Ukrainian War

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About