Radical Islamism and Migrant Integration in Denmark: An Empirical Inquiry

• Main Authors: Dr. Marco Goli, Dr. Shahamak Rezaei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Henley-Putnam University 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Strategic Security
• Subjects: Counterterrorism; Ideology; Islamic culture and politics; Nonstate actors; Radicalization; Sociocultural dynamics in security; Terrorism / counterterrorism; Violent extremism
• Online Access: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1142&context=jss

It has been suggested that alienation and failed integration may be causes of "Homegrown Radical Islamism" in Western societies. Western countries often expect that migrants and their descendants residing there as citizens will embrace or support common democratic ideals as a predicate for—or consequence of—their societal integration. Conventional wisdom suggests: "The more you associate yourself with the cherished and established goals and means, the more you will disassociate yourself from Radical Islamism," and vice versa. We believe that, quite surprisingly, an empirical test of this idea is lacking. Based on a nationally representative sample of 1,113 youth (ages 15–30) in Denmark with national ties to a"Muslim country," this study provides empirical evidence on the validity of this common assumption.