Doing it again. Assessing the features and implications of terrorism recidivism in the context of jihadi attacks in Europe

Erik Hacker; Daniela Pisoiu

Authors

Erik Hacker SCENOR
Daniela Pisoiu Austrian Institute for International Affairs

Keywords:

Terrorism, Recidivists, Terrorist Profiles, Database, Reengagement

Abstract

This article focuses on the issue of terrorism recidivism as it relates specifically to terrorist attacks. Based on the analysis of a dataset comprising information on the jihadi attacks and their perpetrators in Europe between 2014 and 2022, it introduces the following findings: terrorism recidivists are disproportionately more likely to carry out attacks in groups with other “experienced” terrorists; their attacks have a significantly higher impact in terms of casualties; the rate of mental health is remarkably low; and they seem to be able to evade authorities in a much higher percentage of cases than other perpetrators without a terrorism-related criminal record. Overall, these suggest that terrorism recidivist perpetrators operate more “professionally” than the rest of the terrorist perpetrators, making their attacks more lethal and harder to prevent.

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