Terrorism in Asymmetric Conflict
Subtitle: Ideological and Structural Aspects (Sipri Research Reports)
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Oxford University Press
Published: March 14, 2008
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 200
ISBN-13: 9780199533558
Subjects: International relations; Islamic studies; Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle; Violence in society; Political Science; Politics / Current Events; Politics/International Relations; Political Science / International Security; Political Freedom & Security - International Secur; Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism
Description: "This thought-provoking book challenges the conventional discourse on - and responses to - contemporary terrorism. It examines the synergy between the extremist ideologies and the organizational models of non-state actors that use terrorist means in asymmetrical conflict. This synergy is what makes these terrorist groups so resilient in the face of the counterterrorist efforts of their main opponents - the state and the international system - which are conventionally far more powerful." "The book argues that the high mobilization potential of the supra-national extremist ideology inspired by al-Qaeda cannot be effectively counterbalanced at the global level by either the mainstream secular ideologies or moderate Islam. Instead, it is more likely to be affected and transformed by radical nationalism. Unless the political transformation of violent Islamist movements in specific national contexts is encouraged and the transnational ideology of violent Islamism is 'nationalized', it is unlikely to be amenable to external influence or to be destroyed by repression."--Jacket.