Ideological and Religious Instrumentalization as a Catalyst of Population Radicalization in Africa

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the process of population radicalization in Africa through the lens of ideological and religious instrumentalization, using Nigeria and the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram as a case study. Attention is paid to the distortion of religious doctrines, the cognitive narrowing of religious consciousness, and the manipulation of ideological narratives as factors legitimizing political violence under conditions of socio-economic marginalization. The study examines theoretical approaches to understanding radicalization, extremism, and religious terrorism, and reveals the psychological dimensions of aggressive religious radicalization, including the role of anxiety, identity threat, and feelings of hopelessness. It is demonstrated that radical religious movements employ religious identity as a tool of social mobilization and justification of violence, appealing to the concepts of martyrdom and the sacralization of conflict.

Special attention is devoted to the impact of socio-economic inequality, the weakness of state institutions, and the lack of quality religious education on increasing population vulnerability to extremist propaganda. Based on analytical materials of the UNDP, UNICEF, UNESKO, UNODC it is argued that inclusive religious education can serve as an important factor in strengthening community resilience to radical narratives. The article concludes that countering radicalization associated with ideological and religious distortion requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines socio-economic development, educational strategies, and institutional strengthening, as well as the promotion of interfaith dialogue as a tool for reducing conflict potential.