Combatant Experiences in Multi-Ethnic Extremist Groups: Identity and Allegiance in Boko Haram
This book uses Boko Haram as a case study to delve into the operations of extremist groups in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on the unique cultural contexts in which they function.

The book explores how such groups navigate ethnically diverse environments and manage to forge a sense of collective homogeneity, even in the face of internal diversity. Drawing from first-hand interviews with ex-fighters and a thorough examination of the group's operational dynamics—including recruitment, indoctrination, combat leadership, and unit behaviour—the book identifies moments when, despite Boko Haram's aim to transcend ethnic boundaries, ethnicity nonetheless becomes a defining factor within specific combatant units. It develops a theoretical framework to explain these instances, building on and extending existing socialization theories to understand when and why socialization processes fail, ultimately causing ethnicity to resurface within these units. By exploring how tribal and ethnic considerations influence the group's functioning, this book provides a more nuanced understanding of contemporary insurgent groups and the social forces that shape them.

This book will be of much interest to students of political violence, African politics and security studies.

1147227288
Combatant Experiences in Multi-Ethnic Extremist Groups: Identity and Allegiance in Boko Haram
This book uses Boko Haram as a case study to delve into the operations of extremist groups in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on the unique cultural contexts in which they function.

The book explores how such groups navigate ethnically diverse environments and manage to forge a sense of collective homogeneity, even in the face of internal diversity. Drawing from first-hand interviews with ex-fighters and a thorough examination of the group's operational dynamics—including recruitment, indoctrination, combat leadership, and unit behaviour—the book identifies moments when, despite Boko Haram's aim to transcend ethnic boundaries, ethnicity nonetheless becomes a defining factor within specific combatant units. It develops a theoretical framework to explain these instances, building on and extending existing socialization theories to understand when and why socialization processes fail, ultimately causing ethnicity to resurface within these units. By exploring how tribal and ethnic considerations influence the group's functioning, this book provides a more nuanced understanding of contemporary insurgent groups and the social forces that shape them.

This book will be of much interest to students of political violence, African politics and security studies.

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Combatant Experiences in Multi-Ethnic Extremist Groups: Identity and Allegiance in Boko Haram

Combatant Experiences in Multi-Ethnic Extremist Groups: Identity and Allegiance in Boko Haram

by Makena Micheni
Combatant Experiences in Multi-Ethnic Extremist Groups: Identity and Allegiance in Boko Haram

Combatant Experiences in Multi-Ethnic Extremist Groups: Identity and Allegiance in Boko Haram

by Makena Micheni

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Overview

This book uses Boko Haram as a case study to delve into the operations of extremist groups in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on the unique cultural contexts in which they function.

The book explores how such groups navigate ethnically diverse environments and manage to forge a sense of collective homogeneity, even in the face of internal diversity. Drawing from first-hand interviews with ex-fighters and a thorough examination of the group's operational dynamics—including recruitment, indoctrination, combat leadership, and unit behaviour—the book identifies moments when, despite Boko Haram's aim to transcend ethnic boundaries, ethnicity nonetheless becomes a defining factor within specific combatant units. It develops a theoretical framework to explain these instances, building on and extending existing socialization theories to understand when and why socialization processes fail, ultimately causing ethnicity to resurface within these units. By exploring how tribal and ethnic considerations influence the group's functioning, this book provides a more nuanced understanding of contemporary insurgent groups and the social forces that shape them.

This book will be of much interest to students of political violence, African politics and security studies.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781032890432
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication date: 09/05/2025
Series: Political Violence
Pages: 184
Product dimensions: 6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Makena Micheni is a Kenyan Associate Lecturer in the International Relations department at the University of St Andrews, UK. She earned her PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction  Chapter 2: Insurgent Organisation  Chapter 3: History  Chapter 4: Recruitment  Chapter 5: Shaping the Identity of Boko Haram: Age and Socio-Economic Vulnerability  Chapter 6: Ethnicity and its Effect in Boko Haram  Chapter 7: Combatant Socialisation and the Role of Leadership  Chapter 8: Life after Boko Haram  Chapter 9: Conclusion

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