Comparing Far Right and Jihadi Use of Crowdfunding, Cryptocurrencies, and Blockchain Technology: Accessibility, Geography, Ideology

Abstract

Comparing Far Right and Jihadi Use of Crowdfunding, Cryptocurrencies, and Blockchain Technology: Accessibility, Geography, Ideology July, 2020 University of Glasgow: 2369640 Dublin City University: 18114814 Charles University: 16813690 Shahed Warreth Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies Word Count: 22,343 words Supervisor: Prof. Maura Conway Date of Submission: 27 July 2020 Abstract Previous academic research and policy work has focused predominantly on terrorist, i.e. jihadi, financing, while far right financing has predominately received the attention of journalists and media outlets. To date, no work has been done that compares and contrasts how the far right and jihadi groups utilise crowdfunding, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology. This dissertation seeks to shed light on how both ideologies use them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this use to each. It finds that far right groups are far more successful than jihadi groups in their use of these methods and technologies. This is due to three factors: the accessibility and proliferation of online crowdfunding platforms, and integration of cryptocurrencies and blockchain; the impact of geographical location and legislative...