Long-term developments in jihadi militant ideology and its transnational impact

Start date: 1 January 2015
End date: 31 December 2016
Primary investigator: Professor Adam Crawford
Co-investigators: Professor Emeritus Clive Walker

The project investigates trends in Islamist ideology between 2001 and 2016 by analysing media statements from different jihadi groups such as al-Qaeda or the Islamic State. Of particular interest is the evolution of jihadism in reaction to the Arab revolutions.

Using an experimental design, the study compares claims, grievances, positions and strategies before and after the Arab revolutions and in regard to different regions that were differently affected by the revolutions (Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen).

The second stage of the project investigates to what extent the various positions, grievances and claims resonate within western countries, and under which circumstances the jihadi ideology can influence the formation of radical and extremist attitudes.