About Book

Petrova investigates how external actors—diasporas and foreign states—affect militant groups’ strategic choices toward nonviolence. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative evidence, the article argues that militants are more likely to adopt nonviolent strategies when supported by actors with vested interests in peace or political legitimacy. The study highlights the interplay between external incentives and internal organizational dynamics, showing that the decision to employ nonviolent methods is not solely ideological but also shaped by pragmatic considerations and international networks. This work expands the understanding of how global actors can indirectly influence the moderation of violent groups, offering empirical insights for policy and community interventions. Petrova’s findings are highly relevant to contemporary efforts to counter extremism, prevent radicalization, and support conflict de-escalation. Community engagement mechanisms include: • Designing programs that leverage diaspora and international support to promote nonviolent alternatives. • Integrating the study into policy training for counterterrorism and peacebuilding professionals. • Informing interfaith dialogue and community awareness programs that seek to understand external influences on local conflicts. • Guiding research collaborations on the role of global networks in promoting moderation. This article provides original empirical insights on strategic nonviolence influenced by external actors, aligning with GRACE’s mission to promote moderation and counter radicalization. Strengths: • Empirical, data-driven analysis of nonviolent adoption. • Bridges theory and practical policy relevance. • Highlights external and structural influences on militants. Limitations: • Focused on specific militant contexts; generalizability may be limited. • Highly technical; may require adaptation for broader community engagement.