== == Project 22 Identifying Islamic Extremism in the South Caucasus Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Caucasus and Regional Conflicts (EUR/CARC) Overview: A study that examines extremist attitudes and how people become radicalized across the South Caucasus. Recently, there have been numerous verified cases about Muslims from Georgia and Azerbaijan traveling to Syria and joining the Islamic State. There has not been an anthropological study to identify specific issues in at-risk communities that are factors in radicalization. Due to South Caucasus’ proximity to both Syria and Chechnya, this problem will only increase if it is not addressed. This research would be helpful in directing counter-radicalism initiatives and aid. Moreover, it would also be useful given the current wave of extremists in neighboring Syria, Chechnya and Dagestan. Notably, the Caucasus Emirate has made statements about expanding into Azerbaijan and the Islamic State has announced that Georgia is one of its targets. The study would explore susceptibility in specific South Caucasus areas, providing useful data for preventing radicalization or de-radicalization projects (such as in prisons where detainees become radicalized). The research would identify key communities, religiosity, education level, economic lives, ethnicity and political attitudes in the interview data set. In turn, the project would help counter future terrorist threats by, for example, knowing what counter-terror education programs would work better in a particular region of the country. Format of Final Product: 20-30 page research Potential Areas of Useful Expertise or Interest: This research could be conducted by students with anthropology, political science or sociological educations. Comments:
== == Project 22 Identifying Islamic Extremism in the South Caucasus Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Caucasus and Regional Conflicts (EUR/CARC) Overview: A study that examines extremist attitudes and how people become radicalized across the South Caucasus. Recently, there have been numerous verified cases about Muslims from Georgia and Azerbaijan traveling to Syria and joining the Islamic State. There has not been an anthropological study to identify specific issues in at-risk communities that are factors in radicalization. Due to South Caucasus’ proximity to both Syria and Chechnya, this problem will only increase if it is not addressed. This research would be helpful in directing counter-radicalism initiatives and aid. Moreover, it would also be useful given the current wave of extremists in neighboring Syria, Chechnya and Dagestan. Notably, the Caucasus Emirate has made statements about expanding into Azerbaijan and the Islamic State has announced that Georgia is one of its targets. The study would explore susceptibility in specific South Caucasus areas, providing useful data for preventing radicalization or de-radicalization projects (such as in prisons where detainees become radicalized). The research would identify key communities, religiosity, education level, economic lives, ethnicity and political attitudes in the interview data set. In turn, the project would help counter future terrorist threats by, for example, knowing what counter-terror education programs would work better in a particular region of the country. Format of Final Product: 20-30 page research Potential Areas of Useful Expertise or Interest: This research could be conducted by students with anthropology, political science or sociological educations. Comments:
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