Globalization, Islamic Fundamentalism and Violence Through the Youth in Kenya

Abstract

Different scholars define globalization in disparate ways, which has resulted in two broad perspectives. There are those who view globalization as a positive phenomenon, a welcome integration of human societies across the world. Those critical of globalization view it as, among other things, a social, cultural, political and economic domination of the Global South by the more developed societies. Among the many key features of globalization are instantaneous communications, economic mobility, and diminished significance of national boundaries. These three in the present chapter are shown to have acted as a catalyst for religious fundamentalism, radicalization and violence. In this case, they have facilitated movement of information, people, money, and ideas across borders to effectively provide a safe breeding ground for radicalization of Kenyan youth, who join the Al Shabaab terror group for a number of reasons. I argue that globalization has become a major security challenge that has spawned numerous terror activities in developing states like Kenya. I, therefore, suggest the need for states to harvest the fruits of globalization to strengthen their policies towards empowering the youth.