Exploring the Role of Islamic Identity in the Rise of Boko Haram

Authors

Samuel Kayode Atewologun, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

Religious Studies

First Advisor's Name

Dr. Carlos Grenier

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Dr. Albert Wuaku

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Co-committee chair

Third Advisor's Name

Dr. Ana Maria Bidegain

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Religion, History, Religious war

Date of Defense

7-12-2021

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the roles of Islamic identity in the rise and perseverance of Boko Haram in the northeastern part of Nigeria. This study’s significance is to contribute to the continued research and understanding of Boko Haram as an Islamic identity movement based on the unique political history of northern Nigeria, one drawing on the grievance of Muslim powerlessness in the postcolonial African state. Interpretations for the rise of movements commonly identified with militant extremism in the Islamic World tend to rely on materialist explanations or attribute them to brainwashing. A broader approach explores political possibilities, socializing structures, and the most recent experiences to counter an over-reliance on economic interpretations. If Islamic extremism is to be appreciated entirely and eventually overcome, it is argued that it must be regarded as a multi-faceted phenomenon triggered by multiple economic, political, social, cultural, and psychological factors.

Identifier

FIDC010259

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Atewologun, Samuel Kayode, "Exploring the Role of Islamic Identity in the Rise of Boko Haram" (2021). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4732.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4732