University of Münster Findings Suggest High Vulnerability of Many Muslims in Germany to Radicalisation
Raw and Unfiltered Insights:
Emotional susceptibility to radicalization refers to a psychological disposition among some Muslims with a migrant background in Germany that can make them more open to extremist ideologies. This state, dubbed as "resentment" by the researchers, is characterized by strong anti-Western sentiments, refusal to engage in self-critical thinking, and a belief in the superiority of Islamic law. Around one in five Muslims with a migrant background in Germany exhibits these traits, amounting to over a million people.
Revised Article:
New research from the University of Münster's Islam and Politics Research Centre is making waves: The study indicates that approximately 19.9% of Muslims with a migration background in Germany, equivalent to over a million people, could potentially fall victim to extremist ideologies.
According to the study findings, this emotional state susceptible to radicalization is notably termed as "resentment" by the experts. This unsettling mix of factors includes a personal crisis of worldviews, ingrained anti-Western or antisemitic views, and lack of critical thinking abilities.
Red flags: Violence propensity among hundreds of thousands
The "resentment" group is noteworthy for its authoritarian attitudes, with several concerning findings:
- Over 300,000 people in this group ostensibly support violence as a response to perceived injustices.
- Approximately 100,000 individuals wouldn't hesitate to use violence to advocate for Muslim interests.
University of Münster urges stronger promotion of critical self-reflection
Dr. Sarah Demmrich, a co-author of the study at WWU Münster, explains the implications to Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung (NOZ):
"With the effect of resentment, we've discovered a powerful new catalyst for radicalization."
The researchers now advocate for increased support for intra-Islamic critical self-reflection. By engaging in open dialogues about religion, society, and identity, emotional susceptibility to radicalization may be reduced.
Münster emerges as a hub for Islamic studies
The University of Münster stands as one of the leading institutions in Islamic and integration research in Germany. The Islam and Politics Research Centre, under the leadership of Prof. Mouhanad Khorchide, has repeatedly captured attention with well-founded, socially relevant studies. This latest investigation continues a series of critical analyses that significantly contribute to the societal discourse on integration and the prevention of extremism.
A timely study shedding new light on radicalization trends
The findings of the study provide insights into radicalization tendencies within Muslim communities, expanding upon common preconceptions and politically driven reactions. Amid current societal debates on migration, religious extremism, and social cohesion, the study serves as a valuable, data-driven foundation for future anti-extremism strategies.
Note from the editor: The information provided is based on an unpublished study by the University of Münster, exclusively obtained by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung (NOZ).
- The study conducted by the University of Münster's Islam and Politics Research Centre reveals that approximately one million Muslims with a migrant background in Germany could be at risk of falling victim to extremist ideologies, due to a psychological state known as "resentment".
- This state of "resentment" includes a personal crisis of worldviews, ingrained anti-Western or antisemitic views, and a lack of critical thinking abilities.
- Among the "resentment" group, over 300,000 people openly support violence as a response to perceived injustices, and approximately 100,000 individuals wouldn't hesitate to use violence to advocate for Muslim interests.
- In response to these findings, Dr. Sarah Demmrich, a co-author of the study, urges increased support for intra-Islamic critical self-reflection as a means to reduce emotional susceptibility to radicalization.
- The University of Münster, with its leading research on Islamic and integration topics, continues to make significant contributions to the societal discourse on integration and the prevention of extremism, providing valuable, data-driven insights into radicalization trends.
