COUNTERING ISLAMIC EXTREMISM IN EDUCATIONAL SPHERE: AGENDA FOR RUSSIA

Abstract

Islamic extremism became an inseparable part of the Islamic revival phenomenon and countering it remains a pressing issue in today’s world. The article analyzes the issue of countering Islamic extremism in modern Russian educational system. In the first part of the article the authors develop the theoretical framework for the notion “Islamism”, classify supporters of this ideology and also mention mechanisms of recruitment and some reasons which encourage people to join extremist organizations. In the second part of the article the authors propose some practical options intended to counter Islamic extremism in Russian educational system. Moreover, the proposed options are divided between religious and secular education, which have their own specific characteristics. The authors conclude that there is a need for the training of national Islamic theological personnel. In the sphere of secular education a special emphasis should be put on the development of the sense of civic identity prevailing over religious one. The second important component is building skills of critical thinking.