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4 - Fighting on the Path of Allah

Joining Islamic Extremism from the Far Right and Far Left

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2021

Daniel Koehler
Affiliation:
German Institute on Radicalization and De-Radicalization Studies (GIRDS)
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Summary

This chapter focuses on defectors to the far-left ideological spectrum of extremist milieus, for example, anti-fascist groups, anarchism, or communism. The case studies and storylines presented here belong to individuals who were active as right-wing extremists or even terrorists before they made the transition to the extreme left. In most cases, this transition is explained by frustrating and disillusioning experiences within the far-right environment, especiallydysfunctional and toxic relationships with other members. A feeling of guilt and shame moved these side-switchers to attempt to make good on their former errors and assist left-wing groups in destroying the far right. Another set of motives belongs to the category of anti-establishment and ant-imperialism. Some switchers began feel that the struggle for a strong nation culminates in liberation from so-called imperialist capitalism.

Type
Chapter
Information
From Traitor to Zealot
Exploring the Phenomenon of Side-Switching in Extremism and Terrorism
, pp. 144 - 200
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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