In a recent interview with Cusano News7, Christian Tratzi, SpecialEurasia Terrorism Analyst, engaged in a comprehensive discussion with anchor-woman Giulia Cavola about the developing threat of terrorism on the international stage, with special focus on the European continent.
Tratzi provided an in-depth analysis of various factors contributing to the heightened risk of terrorist activities, particularly in relation to upcoming major sporting events such as the Olympics game in Paris 2024. He emphasised that these events, because of their global visibility and symbolic significance, are prime targets for terrorist groups seeking to maximise the impact of their attacks.
Tratzi delved into recent terrorist incidents in Europe and Russia, highlighting a concerning pattern of coordinated attacks in places like Dagestan and Serbia. He underscored these incidents are not isolated but that terrorist organisations have a broader strategy to destabilise regions and spread fear. The attack on the Israeli embassy stood out for its boldness and direct challenge to international diplomatic norms. Tratzi indicated groups like the Islamic State often use such attacks to propagate their ideology and demonstrate their operational capabilities.
The discussion also covered the pervasive use of propaganda by terrorist organisations. Tratzi explained that both online and frontal propaganda are critical tools used by these groups to recruit, radicalise, and mobilise individuals in order to perform attacks in the continent. Through its propaganda campaign, the Islamic State calls for the practice of jihad by conducting actions on European soil, urging both individual and coordinated actions. Online platforms allow for the rapid dissemination of extremist content, reaching a global audience with ease. At the same time, in-person recruitment and radicalisation efforts remain potent, particularly in regions with high levels of socio-economic instability and limited government oversight.
Tratzi highlighted the rising geopolitical risk in Central Asia, noting that this region has become a significant source of terrorists involved in attacks in Europe, the most recent example of which are the actions perpetrated in Russia. The socio-political and geopolitical conditions in Central Asia created a fertile ground for terrorist recruitment, allowing the Islamic State Wilayat Khorasan to emerge as a leading actor in the region.
This instability not only poses a threat to Russia but also has broader implications for regional security, as terrorists trained and radicalised in these areas can easily borders into Europe and other parts of the world. Germany is, in fact, the country that currently has the highest number of ISKP affiliates in Western Europe.
Lastly, the interview addressed the interconnected risks posed by instability in Africa. Tratzi signalled that the Islamic State and other terrorist groups’ presence on the African continent has direct implications for European security. The proximity of Africa to Europe means that the continent’s instability can quickly spill over, exacerbating the terrorist threat in Europe in medium-long terms. Tratzi’s analysis underscored the importance of a coordinated international response to terrorism that addresses both the immediate threats and the underlying conditions that fuel terrorist activities.
For further reports, analysis, and risk assessment about the terrorist threat in Eurasia, contact us at info@specialeurasia.com and request a consulting meeting.
