Islamism has a deep impact on many different areas of society. Media debates change the overall perception of Muslims and trigger dynamics of polarisation. Seen as a potential threat, Islamism provides a justification for far-reaching security policy measures. In addition, a variety of preventive approaches have developed as it became apparent that Islamist radicalisation is occurring in Germany as well.
In the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) programme "Societal Causes and Effects of Radical Islam in Germany and Europe", twelve research projects have studied this multi-faceted field - bringing together around 100 researchers from a variety of disciplines in this line of funding.
The research network is now entering its second funding phase. This autumn and winter, ten new projects in the social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies will be launched, carried out by various universities, research institutions, and partners from the field. These projects are supported by the BMFTR funding programme “Islamism: Impacts, Counterstrategies, and Preventive Measures” (2026–2031). More information on the new projects will follow in the coming months.
The researchers are supported by our knowledge-transfer project: We organize joint events, pool research findings and facilitate dialogue with policymakers, government officials, and practitioners.
