Honors Theses
Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Croft Institute for International Studies
First Advisor
Melissa Graves
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Islamic radicalization in European countries is becoming more and more prevalent, as evidenced by the number of recent attacks by Muslims in Europe. I argue that the social, religious, and psychological environment in France creates a unique opportunity for Islamic radicalization, particularly through social media and in prisons. After defining radicalization and explaining two radicalization processes as well as different types of radicals, I analyze the specific factors present in France that contribute to this radicalization. I use case study analysis to examine several French citizens who radicalized, either online or in prison, in order to show how the recruiter exacerbated the situation in France. Additionally, I evaluate primary sources from the Islamic State and the Levant, in order to show how it capitalizes on certain aspects of French society, such as the discriminatory laws banning the burka. I also apply both theories of radicalization, and analyze which one matches the processes found in the case studies and primary sources. My findings support my hypothesis that France is a unique case where Islamic radicalization is more easily achieved, and that the presence of a mentor is crucial in the radicalization process.
Recommended Citation
Brommer, Virginia Ruth, "Analyzing the Growing Islamic Radicalization in France" (2016). Honors Theses. 933.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/933
Accessibility Status
Searchable text
Comments
A thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the Croft Institute for International Studies and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.