Emotions, Poverty, or Politics? Misconceptions about Islamist Movements
Abstract
In recent years violent movements in the name of Islam have been catapulted to
center stage in U.S. foreign policy concerns. However, before concrete strategies
can be formulated to deal with this phenomenon, the nature and dynamics
of Islamist mobilization itself must be understood·' What motivates an individual
to join an lslamist group and possibly engage in violence? Under what conditions
will these groups moderate their stances, and when will they radicalize?
While our policy choices dealing with the Muslim world and international terrorism
inevitably hinge on our answers to these questions, a serious application
of theory has been lacking.