On the Shoulders of State Leaders: Violent and Non-Violent Islamic Mobilization in Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkey.

This paper seeks to understand why Islamic groups may mobilize violently in certain countries and peacefully in others. In this study, I analyze how the strategies and policies of state leaders shape Islamic organizations? mobilization tactics. I hypothesize that a state?s decision to choose policies of inclusion vs. exclusion, targeted vs. indiscriminate repression, and ideological reinforcement vs. ideological diffusion will influence whether Islamic groups choose to mobilize vs. demobilize, engage the system vs. withdraw, or resort to violence vs. peaceful means to achieve their goals. Employing the comparative case study methodology, I examine how state strategies affect Islamic mobilization in Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkey. My results indicate a robust relationship exists between state policies of inclusion and ideological reinforcement and peaceful and engaged mobilization. In addition, a strong relationship exists between the state policy of arming radical Islamic groups to carry out actions against foreign and domestic enemies and violent mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]