Description
Book SynopsisJihadist ideology inspires a diverse and decentralized collection of radical groups to fight alleged enemies of Islam and to attempt to "restore" a holy caliphate to unite Muslim people across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. "Islamic Radicalism and Global Jihad" provides unique insights into the philosophical foundations, strategic vision, organizational dynamics, and tactics of the modern jihadist movement - with specific attention to its primary driver, Al-Qa'ida. Springer, Regens, and Edger draw heavily on Arabic language sources seldom seen in the West to explain what jihadists want and how radical thinkers have distorted the teachings of Islam to convince followers to pursue terrorism as a religious duty. With sophisticated and systematic analysis, the authors lead their readers on a fascinating intellectual journey through the differing ideas, goals, and vulnerabilities of the jihadist movement as it has evolved over time. The authors also impart wisdom from their own professional experience with terrorism, counterinsurgency, and intelligence to provide scholars, students, counterterrorism professionals, and general readers with this accessible overview of key radical Islamic thinkers and today's jihadists.
Trade Review[Islamic Radicalism and Global Jihad] has a high level of authority because all the contributors can read Arabic and have gone back to the primary sources. And it consciously eschews a simplistic 'bad guys-axis of evil' vision of what it insists is a diverse, complex and often contradictory collection of groups and philosophies. The Sydney Morning Herald Though different readers may come with different questions, the book offers much for all. It is a useful source for everyone from students to teachers, to scholars and researchers, as well as policy and decision-makers. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management This book is a required read for those involved in counterterrorism, force-protection specialists, Middle East Foreign Area Officers, as well as intelligence officers. Proceedings
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction: The Call to Jihad 1: Philosophical Foundations 2: Strategic Vision 3: Organizational Dynamics 4: Recruitment and Training 5: Operations and Tactics 6: Future Directions 7: The Challenge of Credible Intelligence Conclusion: Forging a Winning Strategy to Counter the Global Jihad Notes Glossary Bibliography Index
