Football and Violent Extremism: An Ethnographic Study of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ultras (Routledge Research in Sport, Culture and Society)

By: Alberto Testa and Massimiliano Maidano and Hadidža Borović

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Synopsis: This book examines the ways that nationalist leaders and extremist groups have used football to advance their often-violent ideological narratives and to recruit and radicalise young people.Drawing on applied ethnographic research with the Ultra fan groups of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the book explores the behavioural dynamics of the BiH Ultras both on, and outside of, the football terraces. The book shines important new light on the Ultras' ideology, organisation and youth recruiting strategies, and their connections with other extremist groups. In a country and region divided on ethnic and religious lines, in which far-right and ethno-nationalist groups are a visible presence in politics and society, this book helps us to better understand why, when, and how BiH youth choose to join these groups, and why, when, and how these groups participate in violent acts, hate speech, crime, and racist actions. The book has important implications for efforts to counter violent extremism across the Western Balkans and beyond.This is valuable reading for any researcher, advanced student, policy maker, or practitioner working in sport studies, political science, criminology, development studies, security studies, or post-conflict studies.