A cause for concern? The spread of militant Islam in East Africa
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Authors
Mlula, Moses B.
Ruszkiewicz, Andrew J.
Shirley, Matthew J.
Subjects
East Africa
Kenya
Tanzania
Somalia
militant Islam
youth bulge
external actor
terrorism
counterterrorism
radicalization
Kenya
Tanzania
Somalia
militant Islam
youth bulge
external actor
terrorism
counterterrorism
radicalization
Advisors
Simons, Anna
Date of Issue
2015-12
Date
Dec-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis examines the spread of militant Islam in Kenya and Tanzania. We argue that Islamist militants who have gained a foothold in Kenya and are attempting to expand into Tanzania are behind an increasing number of attacks. We contend that spillover effects from the failed state of Somalia, along with influence from other external actors, are as important—if not more important—than other factors that receive the bulk of the attention, such as socioeconomic disparities and the perceived lack of political representation of Muslims. A third under-recognized but critical factor is the burgeoning population of Muslim youth. Ultimately, this thesis seeks to draw attention to the importance of these three factors. It concludes by offering options to counteract the spread of militant Islam in the region.
Type
Thesis
Description
Reissued 3 Mar 2016 with corrections to degree and pagination. Reissued 11 Jan 2017 with correction to title page.
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.