Radicalized: New Jihadists and the Threat to the West

by Peter R. Neumann, Alexander Starritt (Translator)(Contributor), Malcolm Hillgartner (Narrator)

The 2015 Paris and San Bernardino terrorist attacks heralded the beginning of a new wave of terrorism--one rooted in the ongoing conflict in Syria and Iraq that shows the possibility of foreign attackers working with citizens of the country. As ISIS seeks to expand its reach in the Middle East, its territory serves as a training and operations base for a new generation of jihadis. Young people from the West, primarily from Europe, have traveled to join the terror organization, re-emerging as hardened fighters with military training and a network of international contacts. Many have returned to their homelands, where it is feared they are planning a new series of brutal attacks. When the War on Terror began, Western political leaders assured their citizens that they would be engaging terrorists "over there" in Iraq and Afghanistan and not at home. In this guide to the latest development in the War on Terror based on extensive interviews and previously-unseen material, Peter R. Neumann explains the phenomenon of the "new jihadis" and why the threat of terrorism and ISIS in the West is greater than ever before.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Politics, Terrorism

Audible Audio

First published September 30, 2016

About the author

Peter Neumann is Professor of Security Studies at the Department of War Studies, King's College London, and was director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, 2008-18. He was previously adjunct professor at Georgetown University. His most recent book is Radicalized: New Jihadists and the Threat to the West.

Reviews

[Sam Reaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mass murder in the service of a totalitarian ideology is, sadly, a key feature of the interesting times in which we live. Fear and rage are natural reactions, but we also need sober, clear-sighted analysis of the phenomenon, and that is what Peter Neumann provides in this study published in 2016. Neumann, a German academic working in Britain, starts by sketching a history of what he calls the four waves of modern terrorism: the anarchists, the anti-colonialists, the New Left and now the religious wave. He traces jihadism's lineage from the Muslim Brotherhood up through the Islamic State, cautioning that "the history of Islamism is not the history of Islam" while acknowledging that Islamic terrorism is by far the most prominent strain in the current wave and attempting to determine why this should be. He profiles the leading figures, from Bin Laden up through al-Baghdadi, and describes the process of radicalization of young European men (few women and few Americans) who commit to jihadism. In the final section he discusses the problems and prospects of a free society in defending itself against murderous fanaticism.
Not a cheerful read, but invaluable in understanding the nature of the enemy we face.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Radicalized: New Jihadists and the Threat to the West by Peter R. Neumann, the author exposes how ISIS recruits future terrorist fighters from the west, primarily Europe. They travel to ISIS controlled territory where they receive combat training and learn terrorist tactics including bomb making. Their goal is to provide this training to then send these new recruits back to their home countries where they can blend in and plan attacks they can carry out in the west. The author's research includes new materials as well as interviews to piece together this puzzle of ISIS operations and plans to destabilize the west and ultimately defeat us. This is a clear warning especially to those who have so far refused to see the signs that this is deadly serious whether they want to believe it or not. Well-written account of what ISIS and radical Islamists have planned for their conquest of western civilization.

[Jas L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick an accessible overview to terrorism with a focus on the new fifth wave (salafist jihadist). The normal issues with writing about current events (events changing) only have limited impact to the overall flow of the book. The author has done a very good job of linking some key findings or statements from terrorism experts/academics across the globe making Radicalized a great entry point into a pretty broad and diverse field of study. At some points the book feels like it was a little rushed to print, but overall worth your time.

[Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the beginning of the book the author argues that Islamic extremism is predominantly a result of modern day salafism, a movement that began during the early eighteen-hundreds that conforms to a radical interpretation of the Qur'an and demands a strict adherence to the earliest tenants of Islam under the Prophet Muhammad.
The book is very interesting and informative and is primarily centered on the Islamic State but gives a general overview of several other terrorist organizations and how they operate, inter relate with one another, and acquire new members.

The author fails to predict the rapid fall of the Islamic State as is currently the case. He argues that the struggle with the terrorist group will be long-term and require "containment". Although Islamic terrorism will never be entirely defeated as an ideology and a threat to peace, the Islamic State as an organization is nearly completely destroyed thanks to precise Intel, and coalition airstrikes as well as the growing effectiveness of the Iraqi military.

Another point that I disagree with the author is on is the subject of strongman dictators such as Saddam Hussein and Basher al-assad that their tyrannical way of governing led to the influx of terrorism. To the contrary, I believe these secular heavy handed government's helped contain extremism. I believe that Islamic extremism is a result of the ever-evolving radical interpretation of the Quran and how it demands for a centralized Islamic State and the destruction of Israel.

[Sami Eerola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on modern jihadism. The only problem is a subtle right wing bias that makes the author write that far right terrorism is "only" a reaction to far left terrorism. If that would be true how the terror of KKK is explained? Sure the KKK was anti-communist, but there where wherry few far left terrorist in the Southern US in 1800's to explain the rize of KKK violence. But this is a small detail because the author focuses mainly on jihadism and the terror wave theory.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book that is easy to read and engrossing. The author provides an pertinent overview, history and recommendations in a manner that draws the reader in. I have read many texts on the topic over the years but learned quite a bit, as well as being presented with questions and proposals that will have me thinking for a while.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors on the topic. And an absolute “must read” for anyone with broader horizons who is interested in in Islam and especially in Jihadism and values a reliable and well researched information vs. fake news ...

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting look at terrorism, and in particular how it relates to ISIS and the West.
I liked how it was kept fairly short. Often these types of books have a really interesting premise but the author really drags it out until it becomes so dull.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5Ws.

[Geoffrey Arcman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very tedious and unimpressive scholarship. Douglas Murray's work in the same (or cognate) area is infinitely superior to this very weak jargon-ridden journalese. Struggles to finish it.

[Kelly (purplebookstand) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radicalized

You can't watch the news in today's world, without there being mention of terrorists, ISIS, jihadists, bombings...you get the gist.

Radicalized explores what is making this generation of 'regular' young people turn extreme and become radicalized. This is a book that everyone should read. As a Muslim who absolutely condemns all these acts of terrorism, this book is accessible, engaging and so informative, it really is a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, with thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. 5*

[Derek Ruths · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding, albeit somewhat academic, review of what we know about the phenomenon of terrorism, how it has lead to the rise of radicalized jihadist terrorism, and what insights we can glean into where the movement is headed and how best to manage it. For anyone intently interested in this area, I highly recommend it.

[Valeria Avramenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical overview on key events and personas of previous waves of terrorism and the fifth wave that we have to deal with now. Sometimes author goes a bit corny but can be overlooked. Thought through analysis of Islamic State strategist and their aim for global caliphate.