COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE WAHHABI MOVEMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE WESTERN BALKANS
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE WAHHABI MOVEMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE WESTERN BALKANS

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents a comparative analysis of the Wahhabi movement in the Middle East and the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on the differences in institutional foundations, operational methods, and social consequences. In the Middle East, Wahhabism is an integral part of the political-religious order of Saudi Arabia, enjoying full institutional support from the state, including formal control mechanisms such as the religious police. In contrast, in the Western Balkans, Wahhabism represents an imported ideology without institutional backing, yet with significant influence from foreign actors and transnational networks. Its presence has caused ideological and organizational divisions within local Islamic communities, challenging traditional religious practices rooted in Ottoman heritage and Sufi traditions. Special attention is given to the security implications, including the potential for radicalization and community destabilization. The analysis demonstrates that, despite differences in the degree of institutional support and operational methods, Wahhabism in both regions possesses the capacity to significantly influence religious dynamics, social cohesion, and security trends.

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