Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to provide answers not to questions of why radicalization of Europe's Muslims takes place, but how. It shifts the focus from an explanatory to an understanding approach. The qualitative research project is based on investigations and interviews of Europe's Muslims in four European countries: Germany, France, the Netherlands and Great Britain. A discourse analytic methodology helps to frame processes of radicalization and link them to current public debates within Europe. The book discusses the state of the art on the topic of radicalization. It provides an overview of the literature and clarifies the gap. The book defines radicalization as the process of progressively adopting more radical beliefs and ideas of Islam. It examines the trans-disciplinary use of the concept of identity and its focus on the interaction between individual and society.