Salafism vs. Moderate Islam: A Rhetorical Fight for the Hearts and Minds of Bosnian Muslims
Salafism vs. Moderate Islam: A Rhetorical Fight for the Hearts and Minds of Bosnian Muslims

Author(s): Edina Bećirević
Contributor(s): Vlado Azinović (Editor)
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology, Theology and Religion, Islam studies, Social differentiation, Studies in violence and power, Radical sociology , Sociology of Religion, Identity of Collectives
Published by: Atlantska inicijativa: Udruženje za promicanje euroatlantskih integracija BiH
Keywords: Salafism; moderate Islam; Bosnian Muslims; radicalization; ISIL; violent extremism; terrorism; security threats; tolerance; religious diversity; Islam; religious ideology;
Summary/Abstract: The overarching goal of this research is to deepen understandings of underlying structural causes of radicalization in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also to discern the individual social and psychological factors that drive radicalization. Since September 11th, and especially with the rise of ISIL, this has been a growing field of research; however, international scholars and practitioners still grapple to properly define some basic terms. Radicalization, extremism, violent extremism, and terrorism are often used interchangeably. This conceptual confusion leads to stereotyping in media and among the general public, and sometimes even among government officials. Thus, it is important to stress that this study takes into account the differences between radicalization of belief, radicalization of behavior that does not lead to violence, and radicalization of behavior that does lead to violence. Indeed, most of the individuals interviewed for this research do not present a security threat to the country. However, in a vulnerable Bosnian society with a recent history of genocide and mass violence, even nonviolent radical behavior deepens fears of “others” and contributes to general social distrust and insecurity. [...]

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