Militant jihadist exploitation of youth and young adult vulnerabilities in the Maldives

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is little research on militant jihadist radicalisation, particularly the psychosocial factors underlying radicalisation, in the Maldives, which is often overshadowed by its larger neighbours. As militant jihadist terrorism continues in the Indo-Pacific region and as tourism returns to its pre-COVID levels, the threat of militant jihadist attacks in the Maldives must be addressed. The present article uses qualitative interviews from incarcerated men and women in Maafushi Prison to explore the ways that militant jihadist cells in the Maldives radicalise and recruit youth to join them. We identified three primary vulnerabilities that are exploited by Maldivian militant jihadists to radicalise and recruit youth and young adults: Lack of education and employment opportunities, lack of nuanced Islamic education, and substance abuse. Amplifying these vulnerabilities are responses to feeling insignificant and hopelessness, leading to susceptibility to promises of opportunity, redemption, and rehabilitation from militant jihadists.