Author Archives

I am a researcher and writer interested in security issues. I work with The Institute for Strategic Dialogue and the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI). I also run a small charity called Hostage UK which provides practical and pastoral support for hostages and their families, during and after a kidnap.

• time for technology companies to do their bit in fight against violent extremism

  By rachelbriggs on May 7, 2015 • ( 0 )

  I’m quoted in this excellent Radio Four documentary on the use of social media by violent extremist groups, such as ISIS. For too long, the big technology companies have thrown tiny bits of money at the problem as a cover… Read More ›

• the fog of peace: the human face of conflict resolution

  By rachelbriggs on April 5, 2015 • ( 0 )

  I have just finished reading an important book by Gabrielle Rifkind and Giandomenico Picco called The Fog of Peace: The human face of conflict resolution. It is of course a riff on Robert McNamara’s documentary: The Fog of War: Eleven… Read More ›

• turning them around: why we need to rehabilitate jihadists returning from syria

  By rachelbriggs on November 15, 2014 • ( 3 )

  I’m quoted in this week’s Economist talking about the need to enhance resources for disengagement and de-radicalisation programmes for those returning from Syria. The contrast with other European countries, such as Germany, Denmark and Sweden, is stark – and we… Read More ›

• urgent need for de-radicalisation programmes

  By rachelbriggs on November 3, 2014 • ( 0 )

  I was quoted in a piece for Canadian media outlet CBC on 3 November, talking about the need for structured and well financed de-radicalisation, disengagement and exit programmes. Those who want to leave violent extremist groups are ‘low hanging fruit’… Read More ›

• we need a more nuanced approach for dealing with british jihadists who want to come home

  By rachelbriggs on October 27, 2014 • ( 1 )

  There are growing reports that British jihadis fighting in Syria want to come home; it has been claimed that dozens are trapped in Syria unable to leave, and up to 100 are stranded in Turkey having made it out of… Read More ›

• aid workers and journalists at the frontline of conflict

  By rachelbriggs on August 25, 2014 • ( 0 )

  Events over the past week have offered a sobering reminder of the risks to journalists around the world. They started with the murder of James Foley in Syria, the video of which closed with a threat to the life of… Read More ›

• trauma of children in Gaza

  By rachelbriggs on August 12, 2014 • ( 1 )

  It doesn’t matter what side of the political divide you are on, how you judge history, or whether you are for a two-state solution or not. The effects of conflict on the children of Gaza are heart breaking. In an excellent… Read More ›

• foreign fighters in Syria: the rise of women and the challenge of prevention

  By rachelbriggs on July 15, 2014 • ( 3 )

  A report on the Today Programme this morning spoke to young women in Luton thinking about travelling to Syria. So, are there more women travelling? What will they do when they get there? And is there anything that can be… Read More ›

• gangster’s (jihadi) paradise

  By rachelbriggs on July 8, 2014 • ( 0 )

  Abderrozak Benarabe is also known as Big A. He’s a gangster from Denmark who turned his back on a life of crime after his brother’s cancer diagnosis, turning to Islam and then, eventually, jihad in Syria. European Jihadi follows Big… Read More ›

• happy birthday FARC

  By rachelbriggs on May 25, 2014 • ( 0 )

  On Tuesday, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) turns 50. Formed by Pedro Antonio Marin Marin aka Marulanda on 27 May 1964, they have been embroiled in one of South America’s deadliest battles for control of the land, the… Read More ›