Who Justifies Violence in Dagestan and Why? A Comparative Analysis of Value Profiles of Muslim Religious Groups in Dagestan

Abstract

This article describes the results of quantitative value research of the Muslims of Dagestan and outlines the difference between religious groups present in this republic of Russia. It also presents information on the determinants of the justification of violence (in its different forms). According to this analysis, religious groups have certain value profiles. Sufis, for example, value obedience, disapprove of violence, and tend to trust people. Salafis are more conservative in terms of gender, more prone toward justification of violence, and trust people less, while secular Muslims support liberal values and universalism. The analysis of violence justification determinants showed that along with gender, age, and strength of religiosity, the factors that influence this phenomenon are participation in Salafi social circles and level of happiness, security, and trust. Each of these factors relates to the explanation of various forms of violence justification differently.