An analysis of Patterns of Change Arising from the Syrian Conflict: Islamic Terrorism, Refugee Flows and Political Destabilization in Europe

Authors

  • Erika Brady University of St Andrews

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15664/jtr.1298

Keywords:

ISIS, Refugee Crisis, Brexit, Political Destabilization, Terrorism, Radicalisation, Security Challenges, Extremism

Abstract

This paper set out to explore whether the Syrian Conflict has impacted security issues outside its borders, in particular in Europe. With a wide range of challenges related to the conflict, now in its sixth year, issues such as the rise of ISIS and the refugee crisis in Europe have been linked to political destabilization on the continent and within the EU. By looking at data presented by the Global Terrorism Database and the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR), this study set out to observe any patterns in Islamic terrorist activity and numbers of refugees in Europe during the period 2006 to 2015. Academic reports based on empirical studies as well as media reports were also analyzed to further the research and allow for in-depth assessment of the issue as a whole.

Author Biography

Erika Brady, University of St Andrews

Erika Brady is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of St Andrews in the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence. Erika's undergraduate degree was in English and History, and she completed an MA in International Relations in 2002, both degrees at University College Cork, Ireland. In 2003, she obtained a Diploma in Journalism from the Irish Academy of PR and Journalism. Since then, Erika has worked in regulation, diplomacy and international policy around the world. Erika's thesis topic is on the evaluation of the UK's counter-terrorism strategy through a mixed methods methodology.

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Published

2017-02-08

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2017 The Author(s)

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