The Growing Threat of Islamic Radicalism in Europe

Europe is becoming a proverbial Petri dish for Islamic radicalism. The declining birthrates of native Europeans and the increasing immigration rates of Muslims are giving radical Islamists the chance to preach their culture and religious views, including those of extreme radical nature, e.g., jihadism, into the whole of Europe. This paper covers the beginning of Islam, and why radicals have gained the views they have by examining the actions of Muhammad. It then examines other factors that have led to the growth of radical Islam, such as Wahhabism, and the Soviet-Afghanistan war. European birthrates and immigration rates are also examined. Following this, two chapters examine how the message of radical Islam is able to grow within Europe by developing a profile of many immigrants and their close nit communities, as well as how some of them abuse democratic rights for their goals, and the policy decisions made by different countries that directly impact these immigrants. Case studies of attempted and successful violence by radicals in Europe, such as the London bombings and the French riots, and strategies of recruitment are also reviewed. Finally US security implications are examined. The visa waiver program, growing political influence on America's allies, and the numerous number of US targets are all opportunities that radical Islamists can take advantage of.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

2010

Author dc:creator

• Archer, Kenneth Richard

Contributors dc:contributor

• Keith Payne

• Europe
• immigration
• Islamic radicalism
• terrorism
• US security
• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © Kenneth Richard Archer

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1456

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2457