This research investigates the radicalization trajectories within the British extremist spectrum, with a specific focus on two groups characterized by their heightened antagonistic ideologies: the...Show moreThis research investigates the radicalization trajectories within the British extremist spectrum, with a specific focus on two groups characterized by their heightened antagonistic ideologies: the British Muslim community and the British far-right groups. The analyzed period spans from 2005 to 2013, a time marked by an upsurge in extremist hate crimes, escalating further until a significant number of British Muslims decided to abandon their lives in the United Kingdom to join the ranks of the Islamic State’s caliphate. Drawing on Moghaddam’s (2018) mutual radicalization model, this research analyzes three stages considered as the cornerstones in the construction of the radicalization model: the group mobilization, heightened cohesion within the respective groups, and the transformative shifts in antagonistic identity. Critical discourse analysis is applied as a method for assessment of the collected evidence, in order to evaluate the model’s efficacy. Ultimately, this study underscores the model’s value in comprehending group actions and processes, particularly in response to trigger events such as hate crimes or acts of terrorism. However, limitations arise when accounting for external variables that transcend the mutual radicalization’s binary framework. By shedding light on the added value as well as the limitations of this model, this study provides valuable insights for future research on group radicalization, while informing the policymakers about the angles to consider when formulating counter-extremist strategies.Show less
This research explores the relationship between concern over “Islamic extremism” in counterterrorism and the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment, and to what extent have these dynamics...Show moreThis research explores the relationship between concern over “Islamic extremism” in counterterrorism and the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment, and to what extent have these dynamics contributed to the growth of the far-right in the case of Denmark. A better understanding of this relationship is relevant because the latter may continue flourishing despite efforts to curb extremist ideologies. Therefore, the purpose is to shed light on potential interplay, unintended consequences and outcomes that may arise from counter-extremism policies. Consequently, these policies can be adjusted more effectively, making a country more secure. Using discourse analysis on various documents and comparing them before and after 2015, the research maps out the situation of the three topics at hand in Denmark. This point in time was chosen because of the Copenhagen Shootings that changed the social and political environment of the country. The research finds that despite awareness of growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment, there is a permanent focus on Islamic extremism in CVE, which increases the susceptibility of Islamic individuals to extremist ideologies. In turn, this increases Islamophobia, which far-right extremists can use to spread their ideology and expand more easily. The complex interaction is highlighted, and how the phenomena reinforce and affect each other is discussed.Show less
