Updated Review and Developments in Jihadist Radicalisation in Switzerland – Updated Version of an Exploratory Study on Prevention and Intervention

Abstract

Jihadist radicalization in Switzerland mainly involves young men from urban areas, who usually have low education levels and little integration into the workforce. Prior to their radicalization, some individuals experienced social and psychological problems and had a criminal background. These are the updated results of a ZHAW study, “Causes of Jihadist Radicalization in Switzerland”, which was last carried out in 2015. This updated study – carried out under the oversight of Miryam Eser Davolio with contributions from CSS Researcher Fabien Merz - bases its findings on a quantitative data analysis provided by the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) on the causes of jihadist radicalization as well as interviews with various actors. The study shows that roughly 40 percent of the registered 130 radicalized individuals are dependent on state support (public assistance, unemployment benefits, invalidity insurance benefits, refugee aid). This constitutes a challenge for resocialization regarding this group of individuals.