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Countering Salafi Networks in Southeastern Europe: Leveraging Travel Intelligence for Effective Counterterrorism Strategies

Kanellopoulos Anastasios-Nikolaos

Security and Defence Quarterly

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2026

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Vol. 53, No. 1

EN

The re-emergence of Salafi-jihadist networks in Western Balkans represents an ongoing security issue, especially across borders where intelligence sharing remains limited and border-management capacities uneven. This article examines how Travel Intelligence (TRAVINT), defined as the collection, analysis, and operational use of travel-related data, such as Passenger Name Records (PNR) and Advanced Passenger Information (API), can strengthen counterterrorism responses to Salafi-jihadist networks in Western Balkans. Methodologically, the article is based on a structured review of academic and policy literature, combined with comparative qualitative analysis of Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. The analysis identifies two core findings. First, Salafi-jihadist networks in the region rely heavily on mobility facilitators and logistical brokers who sustain cross-border connectivity through concealed travel practices, rather than on centralised organisational structures. Second, TRAVINT enhances counterterrorism effectiveness when applied across multiple analytical levels, including individual passenger risk assessment, route- and corridor-level analysis, and cross-border pattern detection, capabilities that are not fully captured by Human Intelligence, Open-Source Intelligence, or Financial Intelligence if used independently. While the existing research has mapped Salafi networks, foreign fighter flows, and legal responses in the Western Balkans, it has rarely integrated TRAVINT into a coherent, cross-jurisdictional counterterrorism framework. This article addresses that gap by demonstrating how TRAVINT can be institutionalised as a regional capability. Based on the findings, it recommends the establishment of cross-border fusion mechanisms incorporating TRAVINT cells, the standardisation of API–PNR protocols, and systematic integration with human and financial intelligence in order to anticipate, disrupt, and prevent extremist mobility.

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Future threat landscapes: The impact on intelligence and security services

Weissmann Mikael

Security and Defence Quarterly

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2025

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Vol. 49, No. 1

40--57

EN

This article examines the evolving nature of antagonistic threats in the context of intelligence and security services, with a focus on small and medium-sized countries. It explores the impact of hybrid threats and non-linear warfare in an increasingly blurred security landscape between war and peace. The study aims to understand the emerging dynamics of the grey zone and the new challenges these evolving threats pose to intelligence and security services. The article adopts a qualitative methodology, drawing on global examples and including the strategic use of hybrid warfare by both state and non-state actors. In addition, the study examines technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to assess their role in shaping modern threats. The article argues that modern antagonistic threats differ from traditional ones in both intensity and complexity. Hybrid threats operate across multiple domains, blending military and non-military tactics while exploiting societal vulnerabilities. The article highlights the growing importance of AI and ML in both offensive and defensive strategies as well as the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements beyond state control. The article concludes that intelligence and security services must adapt to these multi-dimensional threats by embracing flexible integrated strategies. Enhanced international collaboration, advanced technological integration, and a focus on resilience will be the key to countering hybrid threats. The findings underscore the need for intelligence services to operate beyond traditional boundaries to effectively manage the complexities of future security environments.

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Travel intelligence as a tool for counterintelligence and border security

Kanellopoulos Anastasios-Nikolaos

Security and Defence Quarterly

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2024

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Vol. 45, No. 1

55--67

EN

Counterintelligence and border security are two cornerstones of national security protection processes. They utilise intelligence sources and procedures extensively to assist in decision-making regarding countermeasures against high-degree threats and risks. Both employ intelligence cycle activities and risk analysis models to combine information coming from the operational environment. At the same time, travel intelligence (TRAVINT) consists of the intelligence product arising from the collection and analysis of a wide range of travel companies and data and information from governments. In the modern and increasingly globalised security environment, TRAVINT products constitute growing trend for protecting state border, intelligence, and internal security. The paper aims to explore the potential of leveraging TRAVINT for enhancing counterintelligence efforts and bolstering border security measures. The research methodology combines empirical analysis with a comprehensive review of the US and EU public documents and academic papers. This study is necessary, as it is essential to examine the worthiness of TRAVINT as an emerging intelligence sector. TRAVINT appears to be an extremely important data, information, and intelligence source offering the required material input to law, security, and intelligence enforcement agencies for analysis. TRAVINT and its parts, such as passenger name records (PNR) data, are used in compliance with state legislation in respect of human rights and in accordance with the needs of Intelligence networks, where excessive threats to internal and border security are implied.