Global Salafist Jihad in UK -- Strategies of Prevention
Abstract
This monograph seeks to identify policies that are appropriate for tackling the root causes of Islamist violence that threaten the United Kingdom's national interests. Chapter 1 describes the history of the Salafist movement and how it has grown apart from the mainstream body of traditional Islamic thought. It explains how the interplay of the social, political, and militant elements of the movement have given rise to its jihadist faction, and traces the spread of the movement to Europe as a result of both economic migration and the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. In Chapter 2, the author presents a framework for identifying the key characteristics of the Salafi jihadist movement that can be used as a foundation for potential national responses. Chapter 3 addresses the following question: What are the most appropriate strategies for defeating or deterring this threat to the United Kingdom's national interests? Successful strategies can be defined as those that increase the likelihood of disrupting the current generation of jihadists while preventing the recruitment of the next generation. Immigration policies are identified as a key to reducing division and encouraging tolerance and mutual respect while preventing the creation of separate communities. This concept is described as "constructive pluralism."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA497552
Entities
People
- James L. Murray-playfair
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College