Al-Shabaab
NUPI, 31. mai 2010: Michael Taarnby
“Al-Shabaab. The Internationalization of Militant Islamism in Somalia and the Implications for Radicalisation Processes in Europe”
The presentation will discuss the international dimensions of al-Shabaab in particular with regard to the highly sophisticated propaganda and the influx of foreign fighters. Islamist militancy has changed significantly over the past few year in Somalia, to such an extent that it should be included in an overall analysis of global patterns of terrorism. The talk will highlight the internationalization of the conflict in Somalia; the gradual ideological alignment with al-Qaeda and finally the influx of foreign fighters.
Michael Taarnby has an academic background in social anthropology and political science, and has spent more than a decade specialising in radical Islamism and terrorism. Besides frequent publications in Danish and English about a dozen fieldworks and fact finding missions have been completed over the past decade covering the Middle East, Central Asia and Central America. Current research interests centres on the rise of radicalisation in Europe and elsewhere with a specific emphasis on Islamist movements and militant groups. Besides conducting research into said phenomena, Taarnby is also involved in a number of advisory functions, in Denmark and internationally.