The global Muslim population has experienced rapid growth recently. This study presents an unconventional explanation: terrorist campaigns may accelerate this increase by inspiring conversions to Islam.
Drawing on a cross-national dataset covering 152 countries from 1970-2007, researchers analyzed terrorism's potential impact alongside standard demographic drivers like fertility and immigration.
The findings reveal a correlation between periods of intense terrorist activity and subsequent Muslim population growth. This relationship remains statistically significant even after accounting for other major contributing factors such as birth rates and migration patterns.
The results support the hypothesis that supply-side terrorism—where campaigns aim to alter populations rather than just instill fear—may influence demographic trends in unexpected ways.
