Foreign Fighters in Ukraine: The Brown-Red Cocktail

Foreign Fighters in Ukraine is the first comprehensive academic study that examines the phenomenon of foreigners who have chosen to fight in the conflict in Ukraine. The book unmasks this largely unknown group of fighters and explores their ideological and social backgrounds, motivations for joining the conflict, travails on the way there, and battle record in Eastern Ukraine. It evaluates whether these returnees constitute another security threat to the West, particularly given the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the growing interest in far-right violence worldwide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Foreign Fighters in Ukraine is a groundbreaking academic study that delves into the lives of foreigners who have chosen to participate in the conflict in Ukraine. While there has been significant attention paid to the threat posed by returning jihadists, known as returnee foreign terrorist fighters, the same danger from right-wing, but not necessarily terrorist, extremists, and others has largely been overlooked. As Westerners flocked to join the nascent Caliphate in Syria/Iraq, others simultaneously traveled to another foreign war on what many would consider Europe's doorstep: the Russo-Ukrainian war. This book sheds light on this largely unknown group of fighters by exploring their ideological and social backgrounds, motivations for joining the conflict, challenges they faced during their journey, and their combat record in Eastern Ukraine.

The author conducted extensive interviews with these fighters to gain firsthand insights into their experiences. The study primarily relies on these interviews to unravel the complexities of why men risk their lives to participate in foreign wars and attract the attention of security services upon their return.

In particular, given the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the growing interest in far-right violence worldwide, the book evaluates whether these returnees constitute another security threat to the West. This volume is of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers engaged in the study of small wars, terrorism, peace and conflict studies, and right-wing extremism.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the foreign fighters' backgrounds, motivations, and experiences in Ukraine. It explores the various factors that have driven these individuals to join the conflict, including political ideologies, personal grievances, and a sense of adventure. The author also examines the challenges these fighters face during their journey, such as navigating unfamiliar terrain, avoiding detection by security forces, and sustaining themselves in hostile environments.

One of the key findings of the book is that the foreign fighters in Ukraine are a diverse group with varying ideological backgrounds and motivations. Some are motivated by a desire to fight for a cause they believe in, while others are simply seeking to exploit the instability and chaos in the region. The author notes that some fighters may have been radicalized online or through contact with extremist groups, while others may have had previous experience in conflict zones.

The book also sheds light on the combat record of the foreign fighters in Ukraine. While their involvement has been limited compared to the Ukrainian military, these fighters have played a significant role in the conflict. They have been involved in a range of activities, including frontline combat, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. Some fighters have even taken on leadership roles within the Ukrainian resistance movement.

However, the book also raises concerns about the potential security risks posed by these returnees. Once they return to their home countries, they may continue to be a threat to national security, particularly if they are radicalized or have acquired combat skills during their time in Ukraine. The author argues that it is essential to address the root causes of foreign fighter recruitment and to develop effective counterterrorism strategies to prevent these individuals from returning to the battlefield.

In conclusion, Foreign Fighters in Ukraine is a valuable contribution to the literature on small wars, terrorism, and peace and conflict studies. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the foreign fighters in Ukraine and sheds light on the challenges they face and the potential security risks they pose. The book is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the dynamics of foreign fighter recruitment and the implications of their involvement in conflicts abroad.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032043982