Overview

Many Middle East observers believe that social mobility and popular frustration are the primary motivators of Jihadi terrorism against the West. This new book by a distinguished sociologist shows that Jihadist ideology is paramount in the Jihadist movement. The author argues that understanding the power of ideology may lead to better foreign policy responses and a safer world. Based on translations and public communications from several languages, Khosrokavar offers a comprehensive understanding of Jihadi ideology in Sunni and Shiite traditions. He explains the perspectives of major Jihadist intellectuals and analyses the viewpoints of visible figures who popularise the ideology for consumption by Middle Eastern publics.

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9781612050614

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Reviews

The author's intimate knowledge of and keen insight into the dynamics of jihadism and his reliance on important primary sources make this book essential reading for anyone interested in obtaining a critical understanding of jihadism. --Library Journal In the field of studies on radical Islam that is overwhelmed in the West by junk ideological literature and fake expertise, Farhad Khosrokhavar stands out as a true and distinguished expert with first hand and intimate knowledge. One great advantage of his approach is that it knits together discourse analysis and sociology--including first hand sociological research--according to the best tradition of social sciences. His study of Jihadism, defined as the most radical and violent brand of Islamic fundamentalism, is a most welcome and useful addition to the serious literature on this most complex of global sociopolitical phenomena. --Gilbert Achcar, Professor, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London; coauthor with Noam Chomsky of Perilous Power: The Middle East and U.S. Foreign Policy

Author Information

Farhad Khosrokhavar is Professor at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris. He is the author of The New Arab Revolutions that Shook the World (Paradigm, 2012) and Suicide Bombers (Pluto, 2005).

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