The European Nations and Their Jihadis

Abstract

The comparative analysis of jihadis in different European countries is of major significance. Chapter 5 focuses on the ethnic and national origin of migrants and their sons in Europe, the political culture of the host European country, and the social and economic process of the integration of migrants’ progenies within each European country. In France, for instance, laïcité is a distinguishing feature compared to the rest of Europe. Likewise, English multiculturalism is a characteristic that affects immigrants in the UK differently from those in other countries. These differences in political culture among various countries may provide important information regarding the factors that led to jihadism. Still, the common denominator among disaffected youth in Europe was a strong sense of non-belonging among the European jihadis. IS was quick to exploit the enduring malaise of young Muslims, middle-class or disaffected, into a massive fascination through its promises of reconquered dignity, economic promotion, and the status of hero in the war against the Infidels.