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ABSTRACT
There is little research on militant jihadist radicalisation, particularly the psychosocial factors underlying radicalisation, in the Maldives, which is often overshadowed by its larger neighbours. As militant jihadist terrorism continues in the Indo-Pacific region and as tourism returns to its pre-COVID levels, the threat of militant jihadist attacks in the Maldives must be addressed. The present article uses qualitative interviews from incarcerated men and women in Maafushi Prison to explore the ways that militant jihadist cells in the Maldives radicalise and recruit youth to join them. We identified three primary vulnerabilities that are exploited by Maldivian militant jihadists to radicalise and recruit youth and young adults: Lack of education and employment opportunities, lack of nuanced Islamic education, and substance abuse. Amplifying these vulnerabilities are responses to feeling insignificant and hopelessness, leading to susceptibility to promises of opportunity, redemption, and rehabilitation from militant jihadists.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 We use the term ‘militant jihadist' in order to clarify the ideology adhered to by these individuals and groups (as opposed to the broader term ‘terrorist') and to reflect what these actors call themselves (i.e., ‘jihadists'), despite scholarly interpretations of Islam that do not condone terrorist violence. Likewise, we use the term militant to specify that these are not typical religious adherents but actually violent, non-state actors.
2 The IRB information for the authors’ organization is available upon request.
3 One such text noted by the third author, a respected Islamic scholar, is Kitab al Tawhid by Muhammed bin Abdulwahab.