Channels, Fall 2017

Page 86 Beck, Diza, Searl • Bridges and Bandits between its operatives would induct members through internet transactions, sight unseen. Research shows that social bonds between members play the most important role in radicalization and recruitment. 34 Given the potential for government monitoring and the uncertain nature of online communications, it appears unlikely that terrorist groups would recruit in foreign nations entirely through social media. However, if terrorist groups are recruiting primarily among migrant groups of similar religious, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds, that would still constitute a link between migration from terror-prone nations and terrorism even if the interactions were mediated through social media. As the non-European migrant “siege” of Europe continues 35 and the terrorist threat to Europe appears to loom larger every year, 36 the question of immigration policy and the existence of a link to terrorism has become an increasingly important issue for the United States and European nations. Empirical research from 1970 to 2000 clearly shows that immigration from terror-prone nations leads to an increase in terrorism in previously unaffected nations. 37 This finding is likely due to terrorists slipping in among refugee population and terrorist groups exploiting migrant communities as footholds for new operations and recruitment. Migrant radicalization is likely increased by poor economic and social opportunities in the receiving countries and by a lack of assimilation in general. 38 However, in spite of the research to the contrary, debate on the relationship between terrorism and immigration has continued. One of the arguments that prompts this study is that Bove and Bohmelt’s findings only considered 1970-2000 and do not apply to the modern, post 9/11 world. A similar argument is that the changing world circumstances, including migration policies and social media, have fundamentally changed how terrorists recruit and have also decreased their need and willingness to physically enter foreign nations. If this claim is true, it might be reflected in a changed relationship between immigration and terrorism since the time of Bove and Bohmelt’s research. While it is true that Bove and Bohmelt’s study ended before the rise of ISIS and the 2015 migrant crisis in Europe, this study intends to prove that in spite of changing world circumstances, migration is still a vehicle through which terrorism is transplanted from terror-prone nations to other regions and nations. Hypothesis Looking at recent events, it is obvious that terrorism is a problem. Since terror attacks, much like any form of attack, are genuine threats to a nation’s security, correctly identifying the source of terror is crucial to protecting the national interest. Politicians and political leaders are quick to blame terrorism on one cause or another, with foreign immigration being a popular target. However, such reflexive decisions may be unhelpful if the cause of terrorism is misidentified. Therefore, wise policy decisions require an answer 34 Bove and Bohmelt, “Does Immigration Induce Terrorism?” 575. 35 Ana-Maria Bolborici, "The Immigration Crisis – Reflections Concerning the Crisis of European Identity," Social Sciences Law 9, no. 1 (January 2016): 39. 36 Nicholson, “Swedish Open Immigration Policies - Correlation with Terrorism,” 199. 37 Bove and Bohmelt, “Does Immigration Induce Terrorism?” 572-588. 38 Nicholson, “Swedish Open Immigration Policies - Correlation with Terrorism,” 193.