Global Jihad: The Role of Europe's Radical Muslims
Abstract
Six years after 9/11, the United States and its allies continue to struggle with terrorism. Though there is much talk of alliances, the truth is that each country has taken its own approach to counterterrorism. This thesis addresses Western European efforts to battle Islamic extremism and terrorism. The thesis analyzes four countries -- France, Germany, Great Britain, and Spain -- to determine how the idea of global jihad resonates within different Muslim communities, and what foreign policy and domestic initiatives these countries have taken to counter their terrorist threats. Initial assessments of the differing levels of jihadist activity in these countries focused primarily on one foreign policy factor: support or opposition to the Iraqi War. Further research showed that a number of other critical factors also influence the level of jihadist activity from country to country. These include other foreign policy initiatives, including the country's participation in NATO operations in Afghanistan; support of "apostate" regimes, such as France's involvement in Algeria; and perceived injustices against Muslims during colonial conquests. Another critical factor is the country of origin of the Muslim population. Analysis reveals that jihadist activity amongst Pakistani Muslims tends to be higher than within groups with other origins. The final critical factors measured were the domestic policies of each country. Policies that encourage integration and assimilation appear to lessen jihadist activity. Lessons learned from the counterterrorism successes and failures in each of these countries are critical to the development of long-term counterterrorism policies, and the elimination of European Muslims as a support element for, or active participants in, global jihad.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476044
Entities
People
- Daniel N. Vaniman
- James F. Palumbo
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School