Religious education and the prevention of Islamic radicalization Albania, Britain, France and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Loading...
Authors
Kagioglidis, Ioannis.
Subjects
Advisors
Yost, David S.
Date of Issue
2009-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis examines the potential contribution of religious education to preventing Islamic extremism in Albania, Britain, France, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The existence of large Muslim populations in each of these four countries, combined with the fact that a growing number of young Muslims have become members of terrorist networks, constitutes a security threat to the whole Western world. In recent years, several terrorist incidents have taken place in all four of these countries. Governments tend to deal with terrorism by adopting counter-terrorism policies, which necessitate the use of force. This thesis suggests that religious education, if properly formulated as a preventive measure, may counter Islamic extremism effectively. European institutions, such as the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, have provided a substantial legal framework and general principles on how to establish a constructive and socially beneficial religious education curriculum. If Albania, Britain, France, and FYROM take into account the recommendations provided by these European institutions and implement them along with other positive innovative measures, they may set up an efficient mechanism to prevent Islamic radicalization.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
x, 91 p. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.