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Claudia Radiven

Claudia Radiven

  • Email: ml09c2r@leeds.ac.uk
  • Thesis title: Reorientation of the Ideological Axis: Assessing the UK’s counter-terror measures and developing a cohesive terrorist rehabilitation model for the United Kingdom.
  • Supervisor: Professor S. Sayyid, Dr Mustapha Sheikh

Profile

I completed my BA in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Leeds where I was particularly interested in subjects such as Islamic law and theology. This led me to complete my BA thesis in the subject of Islamic Finance. I went on to pursue a Masters by Research in the same department.

I chose to research Islamic Theology and the influence of Sunni and Shi'a theology on their respective terrorist groups. This is a topic I was particularly fascinated by and it led me to research a number of theological issues as well as developing my knowledge of social closure and conflict theories.

What motivated me to undertake PhD study?

I really enjoyed doing my MA by research at Leeds and the tutors in my department were very encouraging. With the encouragement of them and my family a PhD seemed like the natural next step.

I also felt it was the best option for me in terms of future employability.

What makes me passionate about my subject?

It is my hope that through studying this subject I can produce a valuable piece of research that goes beyond the common misconceptions and media misappropriations that are frequently tied to issues relating to Islam and terrorism. I believe that counter-terror measures are failing particularly in the UK and a new approach is needed.

What are my plans once I have completed my PhD?

Upon completion of my degree I hope to pursue a career in academia or research for an independent body such as an NGO or other forum of Islamic Studies.

 

Research interests

I am currently pursuing a PhD centered on looking at the counter terror measures currently in place in the UK and developing a model of rehabilitation for those convicted of terror. It has been pretty well recognized that counter-terrorism measures are failing and a new approach is necessary. 

I’m hoping to focus on rehabilitation of those convicted of terror offences in the UK, particularly with an educative approach. This would include what rehabilitation methods are already in place and how these can be developed to make counter terror policies more effective.