Terrorism and Jihadism; clashing identities and de-radicalization in the European context

Dr. Christie was awarded Research and Professional Development funds to research terrorism and jihad as a global phenomenon and radicalization of young people in the European context.

Terrorism and jihad has become a global phenomenon, a product of modernity and globalization which shows no sign of abating; and found its defining point in the post-cold-war 9/11 atrocities. Whether this poses a threat to the Western way of life or our notion of civilization is a highly debatable topic. What is not in dispute is that the number of radicalized young people in Western and non-Western countries who are willing to travel overseas in the cause of jihad or holy war has increased significantly since 9/11. Since 2010, we have seen a 58% rise in the number of extremist jihadi groups, around the world.