Publication

This paper argues that in 2018, it’s more appropriate to see al-Qaeda as not only a terrorist group, but as the progenitor and promoter of a distinct theological–historical–political ideology. As a result, the text’s author examines the persistent and enduring allure of ‘al-Qaedaism’ as an ideology, one that is apocalyptic and conspiratorial. He also outlines how understanding this ideology will help us 1) to counter the violence it perpetrates, inspires and advocates; and 2) to recognize that when it comes to fighting al-Qaeda, we are engaged in a ‘cosmic, millennial war’ against a group led by individuals who corrupt the key tenets of Islam.