Radicalisation and foreign fighter mobilisation : the case of Maldives

Abstract

This dissertation is based on an exploratory research on two very complex phenomena that are being observed in the Republic of Maldives, namely Radicalisation and Mobilization of Maldivians as foreign fighters who are involved in civil conflicts abroad. It aims to analyse contributing factors that have lead to the Maldives being affected worse by radicalisation, per capita, than most countries. While many scholars see the issues as religious in nature, focusing on the notion that radicalisation and mobilisation are a product of certain interpretations of Islam, it would be a mistake to look at the issue from such a narrow viewpoint. This is not to say that there is no grievance based explanation on offer. While several such explanations exist, literature that deal with the problem in the Maldivian context are few and secondary in nature and involves no field work. Thus, it is hoped that the field work done during this research would shed some light on the issues. This dissertation uses both secondary and primary data to understand the issues at systemic, domestic environmental and individual levels argue that domestic environmental and personal factors affect how individuals perceive meaning of life and that radicalisation occurs during uncertainty created due to ontological insecurity created by individual interaction with the environment. I also argue that successful obilisation occurs when ontological insecurity reaches a point where the threat is viewed as existential triggered by specific significant events in the domestic and systemic environment. In addition, recruitment and key events of personal significance were seen to catalyse both radicalisation and mobilisation I conclude by highlighting the policy implications and offering a set of recommendations.