From Child Terrorism to Peace Activism

This book examines the reasons why children join terrorist movements and how they eventually become peace activists fighting the very crimes they once committed. It focuses on child jihadism, child terrorism in Africa and Latin America, child separatist terrorism, and White child supremacism, which represent 80% of the problem worldwide. The text includes original research and personal accounts from former child terrorists who became peace activists. It offers solutions from the perspective of social work, including the reintegration of former child terrorists into society. The book is a valuable resource for students, faculty, and practitioners in political science, military studies, international relations, international law, and peace and conflict studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 217 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the compelling reasons behind children's involvement in terrorist movements and their remarkable journey towards becoming peace activists, actively combating the very crimes they once committed. The transformation of child terrorists into peace activists has received limited attention from academics and practitioners, making it a crucial area of study. The book focuses on five distinct groups of child terrorists, accounting for approximately 80% of the global problem: child jihadism, child terrorism in Africa and Latin America, child separatist terrorism, and White child supremacism. These groups represent the diverse faces of child terrorism, highlighting the need for comprehensive understanding and effective responses.

The text serves as a valuable primer for anti-terrorism and peace activism, aimed at driving global social change. It incorporates original, applied research and features personal accounts from former child terrorists who have themselves transitioned into peace activists. One of the nine chapters offers a thematic analysis of the lives of 24 subjects, drawing from all five aforementioned groups. Through this in-depth analysis, four main themes emerge: metamorphosis, terrorist behavior, disillusionment, and anti-terrorist behavior. These themes encapsulate the transformative journey and the challenges faced by individuals who have renounced violence and embraced peace.

The book concludes with a series of solutions from the perspective of social work, offering practical approaches to reintegrating former child terrorists into society. These solutions encompass various aspects, including rehabilitation programs, education, and community support. By addressing the root causes of child terrorism and fostering a culture of peace and understanding, this book contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote peace and prevent the recruitment of children into violent movements.

From Child Terrorism to Peace Activism is a resource of immense value and relevance. It appeals to a wide audience, including upper-level undergraduate and Masters students in political science, military studies, international relations, international law, and peace and conflict studies. Additionally, it can be valuable reading for students and instructors in international social work, as they contemplate social work-related solutions to rehabilitate former child terrorists and child soldiers into society through peace activism, anti-terrorist endeavors, and other socio-psy.

In conclusion, this book offers a profound exploration of the complex dynamics that drive children to join terrorist movements and their remarkable transformation into peace activists. By shedding light on these critical issues, it contributes to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in countering terrorism and promoting peace. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike, as we work towards
towards a world where children are protected, nurtured, and given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and peaceful environment.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031165818
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022