Neojihadism

Towards a New Understanding of Terrorism and Extremism?

Pete Lentini, Associate Professor and Foundation Director, Global Terrorism Research Centre (GTReC), Monash University, Victoria, Australia

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.