Religious education and the prevention of Islamic radicalization Albania, Britain, France and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

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.