Laura Lind | Tallinn University of Technology (original) (raw)

Laura Lind

Address: London, United Kingdom

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Papers by Laura Lind

Research paper thumbnail of From Europe to Jihad-Motivations Behind Joining Extremist Organisations & the Three Levels of Identity

LIND, Laura. From Europe to Jihad-Motivations behind joining extremist organisations & the three ... more LIND, Laura. From Europe to Jihad-Motivations behind joining extremist organisations & the three levels of identity (Euroopast džihaadini-ekstremistlike organisatsioonidega liitumise motiiivid ja identiteedi kolm tasandit)

Research paper thumbnail of Master´s Thesis: From Europe to Jihad - Motivations behind joining extremist organisations & the three levels of identity

A new type of extremist organisation recently emerged on the international scene: The Islamic Sta... more A new type of extremist organisation recently emerged on the international scene: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The organisation announced the establishment of their own state - the Caliphate - on 29 June 2014. ISIS has been successful at attracting an unprecedented number of Western recruits to its territory in Iraq and Syria, both men and women. This thesis presents a qualitative analysis of ISIS and its recruitment machinery, with main focus on the motivations of foreign volunteers for joining the organisation as well as their paths to radicalisation. The main methods used are case study method and narrative inquiry, with the three levels of identity (Schwartz, Dunkel and Waterman) providing the theoretical framework for the study.

Recruits are often characterised as young, aimless, and lacking a sense of identity and belonging. The study proved that the formation of personal identity and its interaction with the other levels of identity is decisive in determining whether a person is prone to radicalisation. For people of immigrant backgrounds, the identity crisis often originates at the levels of cultural and social identity with religion and collectivism bringing additional dimensions to it. Two outcomes of identity formation proved to be of special relevance for extremist identity: authoritarian foreclosure and aimless diffusion. They lead to the adoption of commitments without systematic exploration of alternatives, and explains the readiness of young individuals to adopt the rhetoric of an extremist organisation. Also central to the phenomenon is the perceived oppression of the Muslim community by the West and will to defend one ́s community. Westerners are often drawn in by a sense of adventure and humanitarian reasons in addition to identity issues. The appeal of the Caliphate as the portrayed ideal form of society providing a concrete solution and a feeling of purpose for individuals is also key in attracting more recruits.

There is no single solution to tackling this phenomenon. Eliminating radical elements in societies requires community and government cooperation. Moreover, tolerance and dialogue is essential in overcoming the stereotypical perceptions among Western societies and minorities and defeating the rhetoric and appeal of the extremist organisations.

Keywords: Extremism, Radicalisation, ISIS, Jihadism, identity formation

Research paper thumbnail of From Europe to Jihad-Motivations Behind Joining Extremist Organisations & the Three Levels of Identity

LIND, Laura. From Europe to Jihad-Motivations behind joining extremist organisations & the three ... more LIND, Laura. From Europe to Jihad-Motivations behind joining extremist organisations & the three levels of identity (Euroopast džihaadini-ekstremistlike organisatsioonidega liitumise motiiivid ja identiteedi kolm tasandit)

Research paper thumbnail of Master´s Thesis: From Europe to Jihad - Motivations behind joining extremist organisations & the three levels of identity

A new type of extremist organisation recently emerged on the international scene: The Islamic Sta... more A new type of extremist organisation recently emerged on the international scene: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The organisation announced the establishment of their own state - the Caliphate - on 29 June 2014. ISIS has been successful at attracting an unprecedented number of Western recruits to its territory in Iraq and Syria, both men and women. This thesis presents a qualitative analysis of ISIS and its recruitment machinery, with main focus on the motivations of foreign volunteers for joining the organisation as well as their paths to radicalisation. The main methods used are case study method and narrative inquiry, with the three levels of identity (Schwartz, Dunkel and Waterman) providing the theoretical framework for the study.

Recruits are often characterised as young, aimless, and lacking a sense of identity and belonging. The study proved that the formation of personal identity and its interaction with the other levels of identity is decisive in determining whether a person is prone to radicalisation. For people of immigrant backgrounds, the identity crisis often originates at the levels of cultural and social identity with religion and collectivism bringing additional dimensions to it. Two outcomes of identity formation proved to be of special relevance for extremist identity: authoritarian foreclosure and aimless diffusion. They lead to the adoption of commitments without systematic exploration of alternatives, and explains the readiness of young individuals to adopt the rhetoric of an extremist organisation. Also central to the phenomenon is the perceived oppression of the Muslim community by the West and will to defend one ́s community. Westerners are often drawn in by a sense of adventure and humanitarian reasons in addition to identity issues. The appeal of the Caliphate as the portrayed ideal form of society providing a concrete solution and a feeling of purpose for individuals is also key in attracting more recruits.

There is no single solution to tackling this phenomenon. Eliminating radical elements in societies requires community and government cooperation. Moreover, tolerance and dialogue is essential in overcoming the stereotypical perceptions among Western societies and minorities and defeating the rhetoric and appeal of the extremist organisations.

Keywords: Extremism, Radicalisation, ISIS, Jihadism, identity formation

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