Joining al-Qaeda: Jihadist Recruitment in Europe

by Peter R. Neumann

In Britain alone, several thousand young Muslims are thought to be part of violent extremist networks. How did they become involved? What are the mechanisms and dynamics through which European Muslims join al-Qaeda and groups inspired by al-Qaeda? This paper explains the processes whereby European Muslims are recruited into the Islamist militant movement. It reveals that although overt recruitment has been driven underground, prisons and otherplaces of vulnerability are increasingly important alternatives. It explores the recruitment roles of radical imams, gateway organisations and activists, and highlights the kinds of message that facilitate the recruitment process. It also shows how the Internet has come to play an increasingly significant role. Neumann argues that there is little evidence of systematic, top-down jihadist recruitment in Europe. Rather, the activist leaders of cells increasingly drive the process. The paper explores possible options for European governments wishing to disrupt violent extremist networks, recognising that it will also be necessary to address some of the underlying risk factors that fuel jihadist recruitment. Ultimately, the major challenge for European states lies in constructing more inclusive societies in which the narratives of exclusion and grievance will not resonate to the benefit of recruiters to the extremist cause.

80 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2009

About the author

Peter Neumann is Professor of Security Studies at the Department of War Studies, King's College London, and was director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, 2008-18. He was previously adjunct professor at Georgetown University. His most recent book is Radicalized: New Jihadists and the Threat to the West.

Reviews

[Mr Pavol Pastorek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book

The time concern was not mainly focused on Abu Qatada or Abu Hazma of any North African networks. Kahild al Fawwaz managing bin Laden's Office. Fatwa by bin Laden in a London based newspaper knew that Fawwaz was currently in British custody awaiting extradition to United States. French believed that Britain provided a safe place for Algerian terrorism. The radicalization that has spread in some British communities did not build up over night.Abu Qatada's base of operation was in the Four Feather Club, but tape has been found in the Hamburg flat used by Muhammad Atta. Abu Qatada as spiritual leader of Islamic militants in Europe they have been more disciplined and focus for action. When plane hits 9.11 that could be Paris in fire. They killed 4 people that night in Paris .I believe that is only the big for more terrorism in 21 century. They are planning a bigger attacks than 9.11 and all attacks. This is going to be bigger than 9.11 . I hope US and UK are ready for a new attacks.

[Sami Eerola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and basic overview of Muslim radicalization. Nothing new, only some exact theories and statistics for future reference. The most interesting thing here is the theory of "gate wave" organizations that are in itself not radical, but they lay down the "ideological opening" for further radicalization. I think this theory can be applied to far right organizations and right wing populist parties.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the most fascinating and informative book on the topic. With current events and an opinion of Peter Neumann - which I share - that after Paris and San Bernardino we will see more of jihadist groups, I thought it would be good to write a short summary of the book for those who are curious but political science is not their thing. So the link to my blog is not really a review but rather a summary aiming to teach and educate my FB friends while giving all credits back to Peter Neumann.

https://aliciadevero.wordpress.com/20...