The role of Muslim identity in predicting violent behavioural intentions to defend Muslims

Abstract

A sense of shared Muslim suffering seems to play a key role in uniting Muslims around the world. Therefore, in the current paper we hypothesized that the social psychological underpinnings of Islamist extremism would be similar for Muslims living in the West and Muslims living in countries with prolonged and ongoing exposure to Western-led military interventions. Across 4 studies among Muslims in Pakistan and Afghanistan ( Ns = 425, 402, and 127) and Muslims living in 20 Western countries ( N = 366), we examined a path model in which group-based anger mediated the link between Muslim identification, perceived injustice of Western military and foreign policy, and violent behaviour intentions. Our results indicate that regardless of whether Muslims live in places with prolonged and ongoing experience of Western military interventions or not, the social psychological factors predicting violent Islamist extremism appear to be similar. We discuss implications for future theory and research.

Radicalization and violent extremism: Perspectives from research on group processes and intergroup relations

“…Međedović et al (2020) find that ethnocentrism is a strong predictor of a militant extremist mindset, but also that positive intergroup contact is related to an amelioration of this mindset ( N = 600). Obaidi et al (2020) show, in four studies ( N = 425, 402, 127, 366), that religious identity creates a global perceived ingroup, and that perceived threats to and repression of parts of this group strengthen intentions to violently defend that group, even across geopolitical borders. Finally, Travaglino and Moon (2020) focus on the group defined in terms of shared cultural norms, and in four studies ( N = 601, 613, 120, and 151) show how stronger endorsement of power distance increases intentions to engage in radical and violent political action in the United States as well as in South Korea.…”

“…The most promising avenue, however, may lie in a focus on intentions to engage in radical or violent extremist behavior. With this approach, which four of the nine articles adopt (Adam-Troïan et al, 2020; Obaidi et al, 2020; Renström et al, 2020; Travaglino & Moon, 2020), it becomes possible to investigate directly the kinds of behavior that we are interested in, and that research on radicalization and violent extremism should help to explain and to prevent. At the same time, the substantial variation among participants on the measures used in the articles indicates that the measures remain meaningful for ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances.…”

Multiple group identities and support for violent radicalization among college and university students: Challenge or opportunity?

“…Group identity refers to one’s membership in identified social groups or categories (Phinney, 2008). Although group identity is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon, the literature in the field of violent radicalization has focused largely on only one group identity at a time, mostly investigating group identities that were considered potential risk factors for support for violent radicalization in a specific historical context, such as an individual’s national or religious identities (Obaidi et al, 2020).…”

Psychobiology of Extremist Violence: The Comeback of Individuality

“…identity processes in shaping the individual engagement in challenging and costly pro-ingroup violent actions. The cohesive ties promoted by "fusion identity" mechanisms (Swann Jr. et al, 2012; the degree of ingroup commitment triggered by dysphoric and dramatic "rites of sacrifice" (Whitehouse et al, 2017;Whitehouse, 2018); the inspiring attempts to assert or restore self-worth or "quest for significance", particularly after deep losses or grievances Fishman, 2009, Kruglanski et al, 2017); the invigorating force released by anger at perceived injustices to the ingroup (Obaidi et al, 2018(Obaidi et al, , 2020; and the beacon role for firm and non-negotiable involvement played by "sacred values", during entrenched confrontations (Atran et al, 2007;Atran & Ginges, 2012), are all of them ingredients that play an important part on group dynamics. They help to give birth and maintain the strong interpersonal links within "fictive kinship" units.…”