ULOGA MALOLJETNIKA U KONTEKSTU TERORIZMA I TERORISTIČKIH AKTIVNOSTI
THE ROLE OF MINORS IN TNE CONTEXT OF TERRORISM AND TERRORIST ACTIVITIES

Summary/Abstract: The paper starts from the premise that the phenomenon of terrorism, with particular reference to the role of minors, represents a threat to contemporary society, given its widespread nature and the undefined character of the danger it poses to the community, especially as a form of violent extremism. The involvement of minors in terrorist activities is a consequence of the dysfunction or disruption of the system of social values, aimed at engaging them through direct or indirect participation in terrorist operations. Their roles range from providing assistance in camps, delivering messages, and conducting reconnaissance, to being trained in the handling of weapons and explosive devices, and directly participating in more serious actions such as attacks and kidnappings. The factors leading to the emergence of “child soldiers” include prolonged political instability manifested through weak institutional functioning, poverty or financial difficulties within the family (though not always), limited opportunities for social advancement, personal life challenges, feelings of insecurity and alienation from the social community, inferior social and socio-cultural status, the role of religion, joining extremist groups, rejection of social norms and established values through social marginalization, which serves as a catalyst for radical actions. Such activities remain a challenge for both national and international security. What is particularly characteristic is the fact that minors are not independent political actors, but rather instruments in the hands of terrorist organizations. They do not make decisions according to their own conscience, but exclusively accept the imposed views of the group, collective, or authority. Terrorist groups offer minors a sense of security and identity of belonging, which facilitates their recruitment and rapid mobilization. Special attention is given to the understanding of terrorism as a form of political violence that employs violent means with the aim of destabilizing the state and creating a sense of fear among the population.

• Details
• Contents