The Sources of Radical Islamic Conduct: Understanding and Neutralizing a Transnational Ideological Threat
Abstract
This paper deals with the rise and continued hostile activities of radical Islamic transnational movements networks and groups. Central to their goals is the elimination of American political cultural and military influence throughout the Muslim World especially in terms of its support of Israel in the Middle East and the impact Western secular values pose to Muslim societies. This paper will argue that the rise of these groups is a function of the failure of secular state institutions in predominately Muslim countries to effectively provide for the basic needs and demands of their populations. This in turn has led disaffected and extremely needy elements of such societies to look at alternative actors for means of survival security and self-actualization. Transforming themselves at first into instruments of social action radical Islamic groups have met this demand for meeting the wants of underclass Muslims by expanding the range of their activities from humanitarian relief to ideological indoctrination and ultimately armed struggle against what they perceive to be enemies of Islam on a transnational basis. Removing such a threat by neutralizing its appeal will substantially add to the efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420191
Entities
People
- Guy Sands-pingot
Organizations
- United States Army War College