Abstract:
Muslim radicalization is a global concern. Some Muslims in the Global North and Global South
have endorsed the ideology of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State and have resorted to terrorism.
In 2015, approximately 250 Americans joined the Islamic State, and some still sympathize with
it. Based on in-depth interviews and analysis of literature and media reports, this paper offers
an understanding of radicalization and the reasons why some Muslims are drawn to extremism,
with a particular focus on the role of digital media and the radicalization of young Muslims.
It assesses the messages of Islamists and evaluates the factors contributing to Muslim radicalization
through a review of literature that offers theological, sociological and psychological
explanations. The methodology section discusses how the interviews were analyzed using the
grounded theory qualitative method. In the “Results” section, the researcher discusses four interviews
that focused on digital media’s impact on young Muslims in different circumstances.
The themes that emerged from the interviews are youth culture, cultural issues, US foreign
policy, and self-radicalization. The researcher also discusses three incidents of terrorism that
connect the Global North and Global South. Then the researcher provides recommendations
for fostering social cohesion through digital media. The researcher emphasizes biculturalism,
cyber education, responsible use of cyber laws, producing counter-narratives through YouTube,
and the assessment of national and international policies by respective governments. This paper
concludes with a discussion of some limitations of these digital media strategies but is optimistic
that digital media can foster a peaceful world. This paper aligns with the conference
theme “Sustainable development and peacebuilding”, and SDG 16, “Peace, Justice, and Strong
Institutions”.
