Pathways of Foreign Fighters: An in-Depth and Comparative Study Based on Dutch Probation Files

Foreign fighter (FF) backgrounds and their pathways have been studied before, yet most work is based on open sources. In this article, we examine FFs by examining uniquely acquired data from Dutch probation files. Focusing on profound life events and using insights from social control theorists and the concept of redemption, we provide a general overview of the group through different themes. Moreover, unlike most previous studies, we make comparisons between the FFs based on age, sex, and timing of (attempted) travel. Besides empirical findings regarding profound events, mental health and criminal histories, results demonstrate that a radical social (online) environment was critical in becoming a FF. Also, the explorations of the age and sex comparisons demonstrate the necessity of looking beyond the FF group as a whole.