This project will focus on the development of recent of hubs of Islamist radicalism and terrorism/political violence in Muslim communities in Europe and the consolidation of relatively new Islamist doctrines. The terrorist phenomenon, especially in the wake of the 11th September, has spurred some interest for the study of the Islamist groups and their violent offshots in Europe. The investigation on Islamist radicals/terrorists has, however, focused mainly on the operational levels and has been conducted by the security/intelligence community. The academic community has only recently paid attention to the cultural and social underpinnings of this phenomenon.

Yet, Europe is host to radical Islamist leaders who feed on a daily basis the radical supporters of the culture of Global Jihad. Europe has become a key refuge, logistical base and organizational headquarters for al-Qaeda and affiliated networks. It is important to gather information that will supply us with a better understanding of the ideological, cultural, educational, and social factors of this phenomenon.