Jihadi Politics: The Global Jihadi Civil War, 2014-2019

Al-Qaida declared in February 2014 that a local affiliate, the Islamic State in Iraq, was no longer part of it, igniting a Jihadi civil war that left the Jihadi movement more polarised and fragmented. Jihadi Politics provides an unprecedented glimpse into infighting within the global Jihadi movement, offering insights into its future evolution, including Islamic State's role in Afghanistan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

In February 2014, a seismic event rocked the entire Jihadi movement when al-Qaida issued a statement that reverberated across the globe. For the first time in its history, the group declared that a local affiliate, the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI), had severed its ties with al-Qaida. The renegade Iraqi group, led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, had expanded its operations to Syria, assuming control of the regional branch Jabhat al-Nusra. However, in defying orders from al-Qaida's supreme leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, the ISI had ventured into uncharted territory, igniting a jihadi civil war that would define a period of intense internal tensions and ultimately have global repercussions.

The actions of the ISI, coupled with its increasingly aggressive stance towards fellow Jihadis, sparked a firestorm of controversy and division within the Jihadi community. This fitna, as it came to be known, left the Jihadi movement more polarised and fragmented than ever before, posing a serious threat to its internal cohesion. Jihadi Politics, a groundbreaking work of digital anthropology and extensive research, offers the first comprehensive account of infighting within the global Jihadi movement. Drawing upon years of meticulous analysis, hundreds of primary documents, and in-depth interviews with Jihadis, this book provides an unprecedented glimpse into historic and current conflicts between and within Jihadi groups.

Spanning the years 2014 to 2019, this thorough examination offers a more nuanced understanding of the current state of Jihadism, shedding light on the complex dynamics and shifting alliances that shape this movement. It delves into the internal rifts, ideological differences, and power struggles that have plagued Jihadi groups, highlighting the factors that contribute to their fragmentation and the challenges they face in maintaining unity.

One of the key insights provided by Jihadi Politics is the role played by the ISI in the jihadi civil war. The book sheds light on the ISI's expansionist ambitions, its defiance of al-Qaida's leadership, and its aggressive tactics in Syria. It explores how the ISI's actions led to the formation of rival factions within the Jihadi community, with some aligning themselves with the ISI and others opposing its expansionist agenda.

The book also delves into the impact of the jihadi civil war on the broader Jihadi movement. It examines how the conflict has shaped the ideological landscape, leading to the emergence of new extremist groups and the reorientation of existing ones. It explores how the war has intensified the competition for resources, influence, and recruits, creating a more complex and fragmented Jihadi ecosystem.

Furthermore, Jihadi Politics offers valuable insights into the future evolution of Jihadism. It examines the ISI's role in Afghanistan, particularly its involvement in the ongoing conflict with the Taliban. It explores how the ISI's presence in Afghanistan has impacted the broader Jihadi movement, both in terms of its influence and its challenges.

The book also sheds light on the efforts of Jihadi groups to address the internal divisions and rebuild unity. It explores the strategies employed by these groups, including reconciliation efforts, ideological reorientation, and the establishment of new leadership structures. It examines the challenges faced by these groups in reconciling their differences and rebuilding trust within the community.

In conclusion, Jihadi Politics is a groundbreaking work that provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the internal dynamics and conflicts within the global Jihadi movement. Through its extensive research and analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the past, present, and future of Jihadism, shedding light on the complex factors that shape this movement and the challenges it faces in maintaining its cohesion and relevance. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex world of Jihadism and the ongoing threat it poses to global security.

Weight: 778g
Dimension: 152 x 224 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787387027