HUMAN TRAFFICKING POLICY AND RETURNING FOREIGN TERRORIST FIGHTERS: EXAMINING THE APPLICABILITY OF AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH.

Abstract

This research assesses the applicability of a Human Trafficking policy approach to the phenomenon of returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters after the demise of the Islamic State (IS) in late 2017. It further tests its viability as an alternative approach to current Dutch and European Union Counterterrorism interventions. Current policy approaches addressing returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters are highly geared towards retributive approaches to justice. This research posits that an alternative and human rights centred approach to returning individuals may further acknowledge their possible victimization and reflect the reality that most Foreign Terrorist Fighters were manipulated or coerced into joining IS. The results suggest that the current political landscape (of both Dutch and EU politics) creates a system where paradigm shifts and innovation towards dealing with Foreign Terrorist Fighters are increasingly difficult. A radical departure from the status quo would make acceptance and viability unlikely. While, the acceptance of a Human Trafficking victim orientated approach could be challenging in the short term, applying a Human Trafficking framework going forward could help to realign Counterterrorism responses to address the root causes of radicalization rather than merely the consequences. Furthermore, the very nature of terrorism is to instigate fear. Policy aimed at Counterterrorism needs to respond to the fears of the populus. Future developments need to alleviate the grievances of individuals susceptible to radicalization.