Edward Elgar Publishing Neojihadism: Towards a New Understanding of Terrorism and Extremism?

Many years after 9/11 we are still struggling to categorize groups like Al Qaeda, home-grown cells and others that claim to be perpetrating and justifying terrorist acts under the banner of jihad. This book introduces the concept of 'neojihadism' as a new form of political organization, grand narrative, global subculture, counterculture and theological understanding, with an approach to political violence that is unique to the post-Cold War period. What these groups espouse and enact differs radically from fascism, totalitarianism, cults, jihad - and even jihadism. Neojihadism takes an interdisciplinary approach that fuses comparative politics, subcultural studies, Islamic studies, and terrorism studies. It cites examples from global, regional and nationally based terrorist groups to illustrate the diversity within the movement. Additionally, it draws from unique primary materials including recorded conversations of terrorists preparing for attacks, captured by electronic bugging devices and telephone wiretaps - to help to test the extent to which the term 'neojihadism' is a significant political and theological departure from previous Islamist group experiences. This fascinating book will be an invaluable resource for academics, and undergraduate and postgraduate students of terrorism studies, political science, international relations, comparative religion, and Islamic studies. Contents: 1. Introduction 2. On The Movement 3. On Jihadism 4. On The Movement's Global Dimensions: Bin Laden as a Political and Spiritual Commentator 5. On The Movement's Local Dimensions: The Politics and Theology of a Melbourne Cell Leader 6. On Attempting to Name the Enemy: Islamo-Fascism and Islamo-Totalitarianism(s) 7. On Fascism and Totalitarianism 8. Conclusion: On Neojihadism - A New Understanding of Terrorism and Extremism? Bibliography Index