Radicalisation in Kenya: Understanding Political Violence and Extremism in a Complex Socio-Political Landscape
摘要
In today's world, radicalisation has gained prominence on a global stage. Unlike terrorism, radicalisation is not a single, well-defined activity, which has led to criticisms related to its conceptual clarity. This is evident in the case of Al-Shabaab in Kenya, where radicalisation often involves a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, religious influences, and propaganda. This chapter seeks to answer questions such as What is radicalisation within the Kenyan context? and How does the concept help us understand political violence and extremism differently in Kenya? To achieve this, we propose employing the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability and Agency Model (MDVAM) as a theoretical framework. This model integrates socio-economic grievances, religious dynamics, and propaganda strategies into a comprehensive system that also considers individual and collective agency. By analysing these dimensions, the chapter seeks to contribute to the scholarly understanding of radicalisation in Kenya, responding to the need for a reflective overview of research by clarifying definitional ambiguities and examining the impact of various factors through pertinent examples.