ICT's Publications

This paper examines the phenomenon of Islamic radicalization in Russia, analyzing the causes, dynamics and implications of the increasing radicalization of Russia’s Muslim community. The paper argues that in the last few years Islam has increased its physical presence in Russia, for example through the construction of new mosques and of educational structures, but it has also increased its online presence.

Belgium has become a major hotbed for radicalization in Europe. At least 380 Belgians have travelled to Syria as foreign fighters, giving Belgium the largest number of jihadists per capita at 33.9 fighters per one million residents. Radicalized Belgian Muslims are significantly involved not only in terrorist attacks in Belgium, but throughout Europe. What has caused Belgium to become this fertile a ground for Islamic radicalization?

Tracking the Islamic State (ISIS) propaganda activities clearly shows that 2014 and 2015 have become turning years in ISIS’ attention towards Russia - both government, officials, as well as potential fighters. Russians fight for ISIS at least since 2011, but it were these 2014 and 2015 years when ISIS propaganda machine has started active spreading both reading, audio, and video materials targeting various audience groups in Russia. Thus, in September 2014 (three month after declaring a new Islamic Caliphate) ISIS have released a message threatening Russian and personally president Putin to conquer (or to “liberate” according the message) Caucasus, and Chechnya in particular in retaliation to Russian military planes supplies to Syrian government army.

What can and should be done in order to mitigate the situation and halt the deterioration?

First published in the Jerusalem Post 

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the process of radicalization of Muslims in the state of California, in the United States. The paper begins by outlining the demographics, diversity, socio-economic conditions, mosques, organizations, as well as political participation of Muslims in California. The paper then sketches a theoretical approach to radicalization. This is followed by case studies of homegrown radicals in California. Lastly, the government's response to radicalization in California is outlined. The final section of the paper summarizes the main findings about Islamic radicalization in California.