Jihadi Violence: A Study of Al-Qaeda's Media

By Andreas Armborst

Many speculations revolve around the political
goals of Islamists and jihadists. What is it that al-Qaeda think they can achieve
through political violence? This book provides clear answers to this and other
important questions. Based on the systematic analysis of claims of responsibilities
and video messages of al-Qaeda leaders, it opens intriguing insights into the world
view and mindset of the jihadi movement. Thereby it enables the reader to gain a
clearer picture of the political-religious program of Islamism and to better
distinguish between its radical and moderate political claims. This knowledge is
important because political Islam and jihadi violence not only is an increasingly
important topic in domestic politics, but also became, through the Arab Spring, a
tangible factor in foreign affairs.

In al-Qaeda's ideology theological and political arguments are blended into a
coherent media strategy. Political claims and grievances are convincingly backed up
by quasi-journalistic evidence, whereas theological arguments are complemented by
legal references to the Quran and Sunna. In addition, the jihadi leaders provide
doctrines and strategies describing how the use of force can defend Islam against its
perceived three existential threats - the global conflict, Arab despotism and secular
governance. Theological and strategic considerations converge in al-Qaeda's rationale
for violence.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3428140494
• ISBN13: 9783428140497
• Release Date: November 2013
• Publisher: Duncker & Humblot
• Length: 278 Pages