The book delves into the motivations behind individuals who leave their countries to join terrorist organizations, exploring the psychological and social factors at play. It also assesses the potential risks these returnees pose to their home societies, raising important questions about reintegration and security. Gurski's analysis combines theoretical insights with real-world implications, making it a critical examination of contemporary terrorism and its impacts on global security.
Focusing on Islamist terrorist groups, the book delves into various global conflicts influenced by jihadist ideologies. It offers insights into the mindset of jihadists and brings attention to lesser-known cases of terrorism, providing a comprehensive overview of their impact on contemporary society. Through this examination, it seeks to enhance understanding of the complexities surrounding these conflicts and the motivations driving these groups.
Recognizing Al Qaeda-Inspired Radicalization and Terrorism in the West
Focusing on the drivers of Al Qaeda-inspired radicalization, this textbook delves into observable behaviors and ideologies of individuals on the path to violence. It utilizes case studies, particularly from Canada, and examines notable figures like the Unabomber and Anders Breivik. The text introduces key concepts such as terrorism and extremism, discusses factors contributing to political violence, and offers a detailed list of behavioral indicators for identifying potential extremists. Additionally, it explores current and potential strategies to confront this pressing issue.
The Threat From Within examines what drives Al Qaeda-inspired radicalization to violence, how to detect it, and how to confront it. The chapters in this book discuss behaviors and ideologies that are observable and tangible in radicalized individuals or those on the path to violent radicalization. The main case study is Canada, and each chapter features many examples that range from Ted Kaczynski (the "Unabomber") and Anders Breivik in Norway to Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Damian Clairmont, a Canadian citizen who died fighting in Syria. A comprehensive list of behavioral indicators that someone is becoming a violent extremist is provided, followed by a look at what is being done as well as what could be done.--From publisher description.
In this text, Phil Gurski examines why some people decide to abandon their homeland to join terrorist groups, and whether they pose a significant threat to their societies if they survive and return.
The Lesser Jihads examines conflict through the lens of Islamist terrorist groups. Bringing together in one volume different conflicts where terrorist groups are active worldwide, this text introduces the world and thinking of Jihadists while highlighting a number of seldom reported cases.