Page 89 - Šolsko polje, XXIX, 2018, no. 5-6: Radicalization, Violent Extremism and Conflicting Diversity, eds. Mitja Sardoč and Tomaž Deželan
P. 89
prezelj et al. ■ islamist radicalisation towards extreme violence and terrorism
A study of radicalisation is necessary for preventing individuals and
groups from pursuing the path towards using violence in solving their
(perceived) problems. This paper aims to explain the process of Islamist
radicalisation at the conceptual level, present the idea of Jihad, the related
misuse of Islamic religious principles, and empirically explore the related
propaganda process (especially the use of social media to attract and mo-
bilise potential terrorists). We argue in this paper that the basic element in
the radicalisation story is a fight for the hearts and minds of the popula-
tion. The basic rule of the game is that the actor who attracts more popu-
lar support will prevail, and actually be able to define what is normal and
what is radical.
This paper is structured in the following way. Firstly, we define the
process of Islamist radicalisation, its aims and define one of its key pur-
poses: winning the hearts and minds of the general population to increase
support for own goals. Secondly, we present and analyse the misuse of
Islamic religious principles in the radicalisation process. In the last part of
the paper, we explain the role of communication tools and propaganda in
the radicalisation process. In this respect, the paper identifies typical ele-
ments of Islamist propaganda (especially used by al-Qaeda and ISIS), the
role of social media, and the role of the online magazine Inspire. In conclu-
sion, we collect and verify evidence for our argument on winning hearts
and minds.
Islamist Radicalisation towards Terrorism
and the Struggle for Winning the Hearts and Minds
of the Population
The existing literature defines several types of terrorism and related moti-
vations. This implicitly means that we have also several types of radicalisa-
tion. These types are different in terms of their goals and end points, but
also share some similarities. In this respect, we distinguish among:
- Islamist radicalisation towards the use of violence for the establish-
ment of an Islamic religious state (caliphate),
- Right-wing radicalisation towards the use of violence for establish-
ing a mono-ethnic and mono-religious state (e.g. Blood and Honour,
Fuorza Nuova, Sturm 34, Soldiers of Odin),
- Left-wing or anarchistic radicalisation with the use of violence
against the existing capitalist systems and its symbols (e.g. Secours
Rouge),
- Secessionist or ethno-nationalistic radicalisation towards the use of
violence to secede or to increase autonomy (e.g. IRA, ETA), and
87
A study of radicalisation is necessary for preventing individuals and
groups from pursuing the path towards using violence in solving their
(perceived) problems. This paper aims to explain the process of Islamist
radicalisation at the conceptual level, present the idea of Jihad, the related
misuse of Islamic religious principles, and empirically explore the related
propaganda process (especially the use of social media to attract and mo-
bilise potential terrorists). We argue in this paper that the basic element in
the radicalisation story is a fight for the hearts and minds of the popula-
tion. The basic rule of the game is that the actor who attracts more popu-
lar support will prevail, and actually be able to define what is normal and
what is radical.
This paper is structured in the following way. Firstly, we define the
process of Islamist radicalisation, its aims and define one of its key pur-
poses: winning the hearts and minds of the general population to increase
support for own goals. Secondly, we present and analyse the misuse of
Islamic religious principles in the radicalisation process. In the last part of
the paper, we explain the role of communication tools and propaganda in
the radicalisation process. In this respect, the paper identifies typical ele-
ments of Islamist propaganda (especially used by al-Qaeda and ISIS), the
role of social media, and the role of the online magazine Inspire. In conclu-
sion, we collect and verify evidence for our argument on winning hearts
and minds.
Islamist Radicalisation towards Terrorism
and the Struggle for Winning the Hearts and Minds
of the Population
The existing literature defines several types of terrorism and related moti-
vations. This implicitly means that we have also several types of radicalisa-
tion. These types are different in terms of their goals and end points, but
also share some similarities. In this respect, we distinguish among:
- Islamist radicalisation towards the use of violence for the establish-
ment of an Islamic religious state (caliphate),
- Right-wing radicalisation towards the use of violence for establish-
ing a mono-ethnic and mono-religious state (e.g. Blood and Honour,
Fuorza Nuova, Sturm 34, Soldiers of Odin),
- Left-wing or anarchistic radicalisation with the use of violence
against the existing capitalist systems and its symbols (e.g. Secours
Rouge),
- Secessionist or ethno-nationalistic radicalisation towards the use of
violence to secede or to increase autonomy (e.g. IRA, ETA), and
87
