Turkey, the Western Balkans, the “Arab region”, the North Caucasus – as part of a study, a “situational picture” of the risk of extremism was obtained in the four main immigrant scenes across Austria.
“How does extremism arise among people with a migration background? How is this reflected in the Austrian communities?” – these were the main questions that the Federal Chancellery and the Ministry of the Interior wanted answered. That is why renowned extremism researcher Peter Neumann and the expert team of Nicolas Stockhammer, Heiko Heinisch and Nina Stolz were commissioned to conduct an investigation.
As a result, four major immigrant scenes were scrutinized for months. The result shows the following:
Turkish community
“Moderate radicalization potential”: According to the research, no jihadist movements can be identified. Even if the vast majority of the community is well integrated, there are still extremist orientations and Islamist and nationalist actors that have the potential to have a negative impact on society. However, these forms of extremism are mainly directed ‘from within’, ie against Kurdish, Armenian and Alevi population groups or political competitors.
Arab immigrants
“Significant risk of extremism”: Due to the large number of young and poorly integrated men and the presence of Islamist actors and the continued strong influence of political conflicts abroad.
Chechen scene
“High potential for radicalization” – which the experts justify with clear tendencies towards shielding and a sometimes violent culture of honor. Although efforts were made within the community to combat extremism after the shock of the large number of Chechen jihadists leaving for the Syrian war, major challenges remain today.
West Balkan Community
“Low risk of extremism”: The scene is very well integrated into society, has relatively few experiences of exclusion in everyday life and also has “protective factors” within the scene that make it difficult for extremists.
“Fighting extremism is an ongoing task”
“The study makes it clear that the fight against extremism is an ongoing task and is not ‘finished’ just because there hasn’t been a terrorist attack in your own country for a few months,” said Peter Neumann, head of the study. his finger warning.
Influences from abroad are decisive
And goes on to explain: “Extremism is, of course, not just a problem of migrant communities. But it’s different within these scenes – not least because decisive influences have proven to come from abroad. That was clear from our observations.”
It is also emphasized that the research results should not radiate stigma, on the contrary. “They should be a call to deal even more intensively with the immigrant scene in our own country. And help to get a differentiated view and break through possible prejudices,” emphasizes Peter Neumann.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
