Jihadism and crime in Spain: A convergence settings approach

Abstract

This article explores the melting pot of jihadists and criminals that has featured in some of the most significant jihadist attacks and plots foiled in Spain over the last 15 years. Applying Felson's offender convergence settings theory to this case, we argue that the confluence of criminality and jihadism that has been observed in other European contexts has also featured in the Spanish case. Individuals with criminal pasts have utilised their skills for terrorist attacks, a variety of forms of crime have been used to fund terrorism and certain settings such as prisons have facilitated the convergence between criminals and jihadists and enabled a process of identity transition.

Willingness to sacrifice among convicted Islamist terrorists versus violent gang members and other criminals

“…The present study was carried out in Spanish prisons. Spain is distinguished by a large number of Islamist terrorist arrests 55 , being one of the European countries with the highest levels of Islamist radicalization, and the site of some of Europe’s worst terrorist attacks (e.g., the 2004 Madrid train bombings and the 2017 van and knife attacks in and around Barcelona 56 ). Spain’s territorial foothold in Morocco (Ceuta and Melilla) and its close proximity to Muslim North Africa also makes it a favored site of illegal activity between Europe and North Africa, such as drug trafficking involving both Muslim and non-Muslim actors 57 .…”

Multilevel network interventions: Goals, actions, and outcomes

“… Egonet Structural change : programs to improve social supports and increase social activity for isolated actors at risk of engaging in crime ( Hickert et al, 2019 ) or terrorism ( Rousseau et al, 2019 ). Identification at setting level : detection of settings where criminals or terrorists meet, form ties and plan crime or terrorism (e.g., Argomaniz and Bermejo, 2019 ). Diffusion at setting level : interventions in prisons or juvenile justice facilities to reduce recidivism ( Beaudry et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Identification at setting level : detection of settings where criminals or terrorists meet, form ties and plan crime or terrorism (e.g., Argomaniz and Bermejo, 2019 ).…”

Women as Terrorists: a Motivational Factor Becomes a Terrorist In Indonesia

“…Such thinking later becomes the justification for the bombing. Women in terrorism are increasingly visible (Argomaniz & Bermejo, 2019).…”