Assaf Moghadam to MESH:

I argue that existing explanations of suicide attacks, most notably the notions that suicide terrorism are the result of foreign occupation or organizational outbidding, fail to account for the global proliferation of this tactic. I believe that the reason for the spread of suicide attacks instead lies in the evolution of Al Qaeda into a global terrorist actor and in the growing appeal of its guiding ideology, the Salafi Jihad. The Globalization of Martyrdom describes in detail how both Al Qaeda and Salafi-Jihadist ideology place utmost importance on the two core elements of the globalization of suicide attacks: the element of suicide operations, and the globalization of terrorist activity.

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Product Description

This groundbreaking volume examines the rise and spread of suicide attacks over the past decade. Sorting through 1,270 terror strikes between 1981 and 2007, Assaf Moghadam attributes their recent proliferation to the mutually related ascendance of al Qaeda and its guiding ideology, Salafi Jihad, an extreme interpretation of Islam that rejects national boundaries and seeks to create a global Muslim community.

In exploring the roots of the extreme radicalization represented by Salafism, Moghadam finds many causes, including Western dominance in the Arab world, the physical diffusion of Salafi institutions and actors, and the element of opportunity created by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He uses individual examples from the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Europe to show how the elite leaders of al Qaeda and affiliated groups and their foot soldiers interact with one another and how they garner support -- and a growing number of converts and attackers -- from the Muslim community. Based on over a decade of empirical research and a critical examination of existing thought on suicide attacks, Moghadam distinguishes the key characteristics separating globalized suicide strikes from the traditional, localized pattern that previously prevailed.

This unflinching analysis provides new information about the relationship between ideology and suicide attacks and recommends policies focused on containing Salafi Jihadism.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #190949 in Books
• Published on: 2008-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 360 pages

Review

"A rigorous and important examination of suicide attacks executed by Osama bin Laden and the movement he inspires. This timely book is a valuable contribution to an improved understanding of suicide attacks, terrorism, and Al Qaeda alike, and provides plausible policy recommendations to help stem the further spread of this tactic." -- General (ret.) John P. Abizaid, former commander, United States Central Command

"One of the most thorough and important works available on this often misunderstood subject. Assaf Moghadam's authoritative study provides a welcome corrective to many of the canards and misperceptions that unfortunately comprise at least some of the conventional wisdom regarding suicide terrorism. The author's masterful treatment of this phenomenon's history and its contemporary growth and evolution, alongside his incisive analysis and perceptive policy recommendations, makes The Globalization of Martyrdom a welcome and seminal contribution to the field of terrorism studies." -- Bruce Hoffman, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, author of Inside Terrorism

"This book is a 'must read' for all concerned with post-9/11 terrorism. Assaf Moghadam has broken new ground with this highly original analysis of the globalization of suicide attacks by al Qaeda and the Salafi Jihadist movement. Thoroughly researched and fully documented, the author brings to light the central role that ideology plays as an enabler in the escalation of this particularly insidious form of terrorism. This is clearly demonstrated in those insightful chapters discussing such complex concepts as takfir, tawhid, and istishhad. Moghadam's empirical analysis leaves no doubt that al Qaeda and the Salafi Jihad movement has over the last several years moved suicide terrorism to center stage in their global ideological fight with the West. This fine book concludes with thoughtful recommendations on ways to counter this challenge." -- Richard H. Shultz, Jr., The Fletcher School, Tufts University

"This is an authoritative and updated study on suicide attacks that is better than any other research published in the field. Moghadam offers a clear conceptualization of a complicated phenomenon and a fascinating historical background of the various manifestations of suicide in political contexts." -- Ami Pedahzur, University of Texas, Austin

"A tour de force by an important new contributor to terrorism studies. This learned corrective to the received wisdom on suicide attacks shows that military occupation alone fails to account for their proliferation. Moghadam's conclusion that the fight against suicide missions should involve counter-ideological strategies will greatly enhance international security." -- Jessica E. Stern, Harvard Law School

"An excellent read. Moghadam is a leading expert in the study of Al Qaeda and suicide attacks and his expertise shines through... Well-researched and argued, this book deserves a close read by all scholars interested in questions of terrorism, Al Qaeda, and the way globalization is influencing the trajectory of terrorist groups." -- Michael Horowitz, Middle East Strategy at Harvard blog

"One of the most authoritative books on the subject. Moghadam offers a unique contribution not only to terrorism studies but Middle East and Islamic studies as well. Throughout its entirety, the book carries an interdisciplinary timbre, maintains the highest level of analytical integrity, and keeps the reader interested, if not intrigued." -- Benjamin T. Acosta, Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa

"Moghadam's study stands out from the many studies of terrorism because of the clarity of its argument and presentation, as well as the strength and distinctive character of its thesis about suicide attacks... Highly recommended." -- Choice

About the Author

Assaf Moghadam is an assistant professor and senior associate at the U.S. Military Academy's Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and a postdoctoral fellow at the International Security Program/Initiative on Religion in International Affairs at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He is the author of The Roots of Terrorism.

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Customer Reviews

Must Read
As I read the book the more I came to understand that it will be hard to change the way a group thinks and acts. If we are not careful things can become that way in our own country and once it starts there is no turnng back time.