Radical Islamic Social Movements in Latin America: Al-Qaeda Infiltrates Brazil

• In Event: 027 - Regular Session. Global Islam

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents a human terrain analysis of the Islamic radicalization occurring in Latin America and the infiltration of the Al-Qaeda terrorist network into the country of Brazil. The study used sociological investigative research methods conducted in Brazil, extensive ethnographic interviews collected in the major Brazilian cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and intensive Brazilian Portuguese language immersion. The ethnographic research techniques examined the social, political, religious, and linguistic structures to gain an understanding of how Al-Qaeda operatives have established an operational base in Brazil. The study provides an early warning sociological intelligence assessment of the threat of radical Islam in Latin America. Specifically, the findings indicate an extremist Islamic social movement and Al-Qaeda terrorist theology is present in Brazil. The research findings indicate the Al-Qaeda terrorist group is conducting terrorist training, recruiting new operatives, radicalizing Islamic moderates and indoctrinating converts, and fabricating counterfeit merchandise to fund global terrorism operations. In closing, the overall sociological analysis indicates that Al-Qaeda in Brazil (AQB) is implementing plans to execute a new attack on the United States, and conceivably against the host country of Brazil.

Key words: Al-Qaeda, Islamic Radicalization, Terrorism, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Author

• Gordon James Knowles, Honolulu Community College-University of Hawaii