Free Online University Course “Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory & Practice”

On 14 October, a Google Hangout on foreign fighters with international experts was broadcasted as part of the free online university course “Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory & Practice” of Leiden University. Experts who joined this chat were Mark Singleton, (Director of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - The Hague), Raffaello Pantucci (Director International Security Studies, Royal United Services Institute- RUSI) and Mr. Daan Weggemans (Centre for Terrorism & Counterterrorism). In this live video chat, hosted by Prof. dr. Edwin Bakker, Director Centre for Terrorism & Counterterrorism (Leiden University - Campus The Hague), these three experts discussed the issue of foreign fighters from three different angles. Daan Weggemans started with the individual/local level, reflecting on who these foreign fighters are and why they decide to join the violent jihad abroad. Then Raffaello Pantucci discussed his recently issued report on the threat posed by IS to the United Kingdom. He explored to what extent returning fighters pose a threat to Western countries. Finally, Mark Singleton looked at the issue of foreign fighters on an international level. He discussed the highly complex geopolitical context and looked at the (im)possibility of an international response, explaining why we are currently in a “marshland”. Students enrolled in this free online course were able to ask questions to the experts via a “Question & Answer” app that was moderated by Jeanine de Roy van Zuijdewijn. More information about the course (next offering starting on Nov 3) can be found on this page. “ You can watch the Google Hangout here.