Dr. Neville D’Cunha
Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan region-Iraq
Email: [email protected]
DOI: 10.23918/ICABEP2021p13
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this academic initiative is to focus on countering religio-political radicalization that has become pervasive especially in the post-9/11 globalized world. More precisely, this paper posits society-centered solutions in shaping and implementing counter-radicalization strategies especially Islamic radicalization. For this, I have selected the society-centered solutions offered by three leading thinkers: M. Fetullah Gülen (Preacher), Max Kerner (Historian) and Philip Clayton (Theologian). To begin with, their writings offering plausible solutions to counter religio-political Islamic radicalization have informed my choice as they fit into this particular research’s central theme and general structure.
Methodology: The analytical approach employed in this study is Political Discourse Analysis (PDA). On this epistemological foundation and adopting causal logic, the PDA techniques employed in this article proceeded in two stages. The first stage entailed a close examination of ‘Religio-Political Radicalization and its solutions’ discourses, particularly those offered by the three thinkers especially selected for our present study. As such, the primary units of analysis or ‘data’ for this research included: articles, interviews and reflections in a magazine called The Fountain. The second stage of the research involved subjecting the findings of the textual analysis to causal logic especially focusing on the dynamic interplay between the thoughts of the three in highlighting the causes of religio-political Islamic radicalization.
Outcomes: Although there are no simple society-centered solutions to a hugely complex issue like religio-political radicalization, our three thinkers have led me to a number of general conclusions. Gülen proposes that “we need to work with our community to set up the necessary framework for identifying at-risk youth, preventing them from seeking self-destructive paths…” Kerner states that: “…the Islamic world and the Western world have to search for ways to present themselves adequately and transparently…” And finally, Clayton advises that: “Islam does not face an either/or: either reject modern science, or question the words of God’s prophet.” Integrating the three pathways of Religion, History and Science are crucial to organize society-centered solutions to address factors that can prevent the Muslim youths from getting radicalized. Significance: The solutions offered can play a critical role in not only preventing present and future Islamic radicialization but it can go a long long way in establishing a world that not only celebrates religious pluralism but is authentically peaceful.
Keywords: M. Fetullah Gülen, Max Kerner, Philip Clayton, Islamic Radicalization, Pluralistic mindset, Shared culture, Religious Cum Science Worldview
ICABEP2021
International Conference on Accounting, Business, Economics and Politics
3rd joint conference organized by the collaboration of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics,
Tishk International University, College of Administration and Economics, Salahaddin University-Erbil, and
University of Szczecin, Poland.
