Features of Islamist radicalism in the North Caucasus (on the example of Dagestan)
The literature on radicalism stresses the role of the socio-economic and ideological causes of terrorism and extremism in Dagestan. And yet our understanding of this phenomenon is limited. Exploring the role of personal connections helps expand our understanding of Islamist radicalization factors. The aim of the article is to study the causes of Islamist radicalism in Dagestan, with particular attention to the role of personal connections in the dissemination of radical ideas. Since there are a lot of believing young people in Dagestan, who regularly attend mosques, it can be said that all of them are at risk, especially new Muslims. That is, religiosity in Dagestan is fraught with dangers arising from acquaintance with Islamist radicalism. The same can be said about a single information space (Internet), which the radicals use to make acquaintances with those who then become their soul mate and friend. Among the reasons for the intensification of Islamist radicalism in Dagestan, it is necessary to take into account Islamist ideology, namely, the ideological demand for the creation of an Islamic state. In Dagestan, there is an internal conflict within the Muslim community, in which ideological factors play a significant role in denying or accepting the Islamist view. In addition, kinship and friendships play a special role in the recruitment process to extremist groups.