This study examines the phenomenon of Global Jihadism through the lens
of modern social movement theory. Through an in-depth analysis of its
history, beliefs, and practices, the book argues that Jihadism has taken
on many of the same characteristics as other social movements of the
20th century, most notably the civil rights movement, the radical
environmental movement, the feminist movement, the black power movement,
and the anti-globalization movement, all of which are replete with
individuals who exist on the radical fringes of the political spectrum
and all of which bring together a wide array of political views, ethnic
backgrounds, socio- economic statuses, and ideological causes under a
master frame in which grievances are identified, blame assigned,
solutions suggested, and participants mobilized. By treating Global
Jihadism as a social movement and noting the parallels between it and
similar movements the book argues that we can more effectively confront
the security challenges posed by this little understood but much- feared
ideology.