Building on a comparative case study, explores the conditions under religious radicalization leading to violent action

Terrorism studies has grown exponentially in the last decade. However, gaps still remain in the analysis of terrorism from the compilation of data to the examination of specific case studies in an effort to discern trends, such as in the radicalisation of individuals across cultural, religious, and gender lines. This book focuses on a central question that will be answered by a diverse group of academic and professional experts on terrorism: what are the current gaps in terrorism studies, and how can focusing on these gaps better inform our policy and operational decision-making. These experts provide their analysis of what is missing in the study of terrorist activities, groups, and the use of political violence. They also illustrate these gaps by applying theories that inform the understanding of terrorist behavior and focus on different paths of inquiry.

This book examines the twin phenomena of radicalization and de-radicalization in a global context of political extremism and violent conflict, focusing on the approaches of governments in how they use counterterrorism to respond to radicalization and extremism. By using case studies and comparative analysis, the authors’ analysis of both Western and non-Western examples focuses on both theoretical components and practical aspects of the deradicalization process. Subjects covered include the historical context, the contemporary situation, and case studies that illustrate these aspects in different countries and across borders. The conclusions drawn also provide readers with examples of the potential solutions that states have adopted to mitigate the threats and reintegrate extreme militants into society and create a more stable world in which violent conflict is lessened.

Global Jihadism exposes the core doctrine and strategy of today’s global Jihadist movement. The first half of the book explores the ideas upon which groups such as Al Qaeda are built, including the concepts of Jihad, al-Wala wal-Bara, Takfir and Tawhid. Jarret Brachman exposes a genre of Jihadist strategic scholarship that has been virtually ignored in the West and helps to situate it within the broader Salafist religious movement. The second half explores the thinking and activities of Al Qaeda’s propaganda machine, explaining its intricacies and idiosyncrasies. It includes case studies on the rise and fall of global Jihadist terrorism in Saudi Arabia post-9/11, and highlights the explosive results of bringing theory to bear on practice in the United Kingdom over the past twenty years. The book concludes by providing innovative strategies for combating the global Jihadist ideology.

"In the recent years, terrorism and radicalization have (unfortunately) become something of a regular topic in the news, in movies and TV shows, and even in dinnertime conversations. It seems like everyone knows something and has a theory or two to explain the growing number of terrorist attacks around the world. Some blame it on Muslims, some on the news media and the Internet, and some on the CIA and the U.S. government. It has become difficult to judge the quality of all this information. Thus, it makes sense to ask for credentials of the messengers"--

Terrorism studies has grown exponentially in the last decade. However, gaps still remain in the analysis of terrorism from the compilation of data to the examination of specific case studies in an effort to discern trends, such as in the radicalization of individuals across cultural, religious, and gender lines. This book focuses on a central question that will be answered by a diverse group of academic and professional experts on terrorism: what are the current gaps in terrorism studies, and how can focusing on these gaps better inform our policy and operational decision-making. These experts provide their analysis of what is missing in the study of terrorist activities, groups, and the use of political violence. They also illustrate these gaps by applying theories that inform the understanding of terrorist behavior and focus on different paths of inquiry.