Anti-Radicalization Efforts within the European Union: Spain and Denmark
Abstract
Since 11 September 2001, the specter of Islamic terrorism has become of increasing concern. The 11 March 2004 Madrid train bombings, the 7 July 2005 London subway bombings, and the 20 June 2007 Glasgow Airport attack brought home the threat of Islamic terrorism to the European Union (EU). The European Union and its member states have taken different approaches to dealing with this newly recognized threat. Overall, the EU has turned away from traditional counterterrorism efforts, which tend to be reactive, toward the prevention of the radicalization that may lead to Islamic terrorism. But these antiradicalization efforts are not coordinated and the lack of a common strategy may be hindering the EU's efforts. This lack of coordination is best illustrated by the differing approaches taken by Spain and Denmark to counter radical Islamic groups. How are Spain and Denmark trying to prevent the radicalization of their Muslim minorities? While both countries are members of the European Union and subject to its legislative requirements, they have had different experiences with Muslim immigrants and have implemented different strategies for preventing the radicalization of their Muslim communities as part of their counterterrorism efforts. Spain has pursued a multiculturalist approach, while Denmark has promoted assimilation. To what extent have their strategies been successful? To what extent have their efforts complied with EU policies? The inability of the EU and its member states to develop a common strategy for integrating their Muslim minorities may hamper the implementation of measures to counter Islamic radicalism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA497135
Entities
People
- Colin M. Tansey
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School