- Experts Dismiss Link Between Migrants and Radicalization as Predominant Factor
Radicalization, according to extremism expert Florian Endres from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf), is not primarily linked to an individual's social or cultural background. In an interview with the German Press Agency, Endres, the head of the Extremism Consultation Center at Bamf, emphasized, "It's a common societal occurrence."
Research conducted at the center shows that individuals facing personal crises, such as personal crises, loss of purpose, career difficulties, or family issues, are often more susceptible to extremist beliefs. This pattern is observed in both Muslim and non-Muslim families.
Debunking Misconceptions
Following the suspected Islamist attack in Solingen, where a 26-year-old Syrian man claimed three lives and injured eight others, Endres chose to avoid discussing the case specifically. Instead, he highlighted the fact that life crises are not uncommon, but not everyone is prone to extremist beliefs.
Exploring the Root Causes
Life crises serve as openings, making individuals more susceptible to extremist structures. "They become susceptible to structures that offer a straightforward explanation for their predicament and, of course, a solution," noted Endres.
In recent years, mental health issues have emerged as a decisive factor in radicalization. "For example, refugees often experience trauma during their journey, but there are also cases of locals in Germany suffering from conditions like psychosis or depression, which may be linked to their radicalization," Endres added.
The Genesis of Extremism
Radicalization begins with a shift in self-perception. "They view themselves as the 'elite' of Islam. Only they understand Islam as the Prophet and his direct descendants intended," Endres explained. This new identity can bring about beneficial changes in the beginning but can lead to escalating conflicts with the social environment as extremist beliefs deepen.
An Overview of Countermeasures
The Extremism Consultation Center at Bamf provides a hotline for individuals and families who suspect radicalization in their surroundings. Counselors may intervene directly or collaborate with the individual's social network to find solutions. "This method has proven successful across the country," Endres concluded.
Migrants and individuals experiencing life crises or mental health issues can be drawn to extremist beliefs as they offer a straightforward explanation for their predicament and a proposed solution. In recent years, mental health issues serve an increasingly prominent role in radicalization.
Further Reading
Insights
Specialists posit that radicalization among migrants and individuals experiencing life crises or mental health issues is influenced by a complex interplay of various factors. Here are the key contributors:
- Social and Economic Factors: Poverty and unemployment, migration and exploitation, and limited education can contribute to radicalization.
- Religious Misunderstandings and Limited Education: In some Central Asian countries, restricted religious education can create a knowledge vacuum that extremist propagandists exploit.
- Influence of Radical Religious Ideologies: Political figures and influential individuals can embolden extremist sympathizers, infiltrating extremist ideologies into the highest echelons of power.
- Digital Media and Propaganda: Extremist groups leverage digital media to disseminate their ideology and manipulate narratives, providing a platform for radicalization.
- Psychological and Emotional Triggers: The relative deprivation theory and EOBs drive individuals to seek honor, legacy, or revenge, through violence or non-violent pathways.
- Life Crises and Mental Health Issues: Social alienation and emotional intensification contribute to the radicalization process by offering individuals a sense of purpose and community.
- External Influences: Foreign intelligence and military forces, as well as migration patterns, play significant roles in shaping regional dynamics and radicalization.
