Understanding Muslim Radicalization Through Digital Media: Strategies to Foster Social Cohesion and Build Peace Across the Global North and Global South

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”.