The Global Spread of Islamism: An Agent-Based Computer Model

We use an agent-based model to model a dynamic network that considers the rate at which Islamism will spread globally. We define Islamism as the organized political trend that seeks to solve modern political problems by referencing Muslim teachings. The trend is also associated with Radical Islam or Islamic Fundamentalism and is often revolutionary and violent in nature. The model assumes that Islamism spreads from state to state based on existing relations that replicate those defining global trade and communications. Islamism must diffuse through these existing networks. Since Islamism is inimical to western liberal values such as women’s rights and social tolerance, the diffusion of Islamism is hindered by a strong commitment to western liberal values. We include all countries in the analysis, scored on the degree to which they are committed to Islamism and western liberal values.