Canadian Foreign Fighters and ISIS

Abstract

This paper examines the foreign fighter phenomenon as it pertains to Canadians leaving to join ISIS and other Sunni extremist groups. It provides an overview of ISIS as an organization, including its ability to recruit foreign fighters from around the world, including Canada. It also delves into the foreign fighter phenomenon, providing an insight into the motivations and consequences of foreign fighters, providing specific Canadian case study examples. This paper also examines the Government of Canada’s response to the foreign fighter phenomenon. Finally, this paper will provide policy recommendations building on the newly-elected Liberal Party’s platform. This paper argues for a three-pronged approach based on prevention, de-radicalization, and legislation to address the foreign fighter phenomenon.