Date of Graduation
Spring 2010
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
Keith Payne
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Europe, immigration, Islamic radicalism, terrorism, US security
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies
Copyright
© Kenneth Richard Archer
Recommended Citation
Archer, Kenneth Richard, "The Growing Threat of Islamic Radicalism in Europe" (2010). MSU Graduate Theses. 1456.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1456
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