Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

Criminological Analysis of Migration and Terrorism Risk: A Case Study of Foreign Nationals in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Futures Studies Department, Army Command and Staff University, Tehran, Iran
2 Master's degree, Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The influence of migrants on increasing the likelihood of terrorist attacks in host countries has become one of the contemporary threats compromising national security. This research examines the criminological analysis of foreign nationals' migration and its impact on terrorism, with particular focus on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method with a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews until theoretical saturation is achieved. The analysis identifies various political, religious, psychological, cultural, and social factors as the most significant causes linking migration and terrorism, including in Iran. These causes operate at both individual and societal levels, functioning as catalysts according to certain criminological theories, potentially driving migrants toward violent acts such as terrorism. Terrorists often develop instrumental interpretations of specific ideologies to justify their recourse to violence, while dehumanization based on prejudiced and hateful beliefs constitutes an important preventive variable. However, regarding migrants, given their circumstances in origin countries and entry mechanisms into destination countries, social prevention proves less effective, placing primary emphasis on situational prevention techniques. These may include organizing and enhancing screening mechanisms and risk assessment for legal migrants, while implementing border walls and drone surveillance for illegal migrants.
 
Keywords

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