Politico-ideological Mobilisation and Violence in the Arab World: All In

This book explores the biographical, sociological, political, and historical factors that contribute to politico-ideological mobilization and violence in the Arab World. It provides new theoretical insights into these processes by focusing on the experiences of individuals who have mobilized for causes and conflicts. Interviewees include non-violent and violent engagement for causes and conflicts related to the Arab World, from a variety of ideological orientations. The book offers a cross-contextual understanding of mobilization for political and violent action and includes perspectives from experts and peripheral actors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate realm of politico-ideological mobilisation and violence, shedding light on the captivating life stories, trajectories, and narratives of individuals who have been driven to mobilise for causes and conflicts across the Arab World. By offering a comprehensive understanding of the biographical, sociological, political, and historical factors that shape their radicalisation processes, it strives to provide a deeper grasp of the complex dynamics that underpin these phenomena.

But why do individuals choose to identify with suffering and injustice, often of others and in distant lands? What compels them to take a stand and how does violent action become a justifiable or necessary course of action? And how do they ultimately disengage from violence? These are the profound questions that this book seeks to answer, drawing upon a wealth of interviews conducted in Lebanon, Switzerland, and Canada.

Through its unique approach, which centres on grievances and grounding analysis in the empirical reality as it is shared and narratively constructed by those who are at the heart of the phenomenon, it transcends the moralistic and politicised debates that often characterise this field. The book features a diverse range of interviewees, including individuals who have engaged in both non-violent and violent forms of political engagement, representing a wide array of ideological orientations, including Shiite militias, Salafi-jihadist groups, radical left-wing groups, Palestine-specific groups, Kurdish groups, and others with right-wing or unspecified affiliations. By selecting individuals with different political engagement patterns and ideological backgrounds, the book aims to offer readers a nuanced perspective on how similar grievances can lead to vastly different outcomes.

Moreover, by examining these narratives within three distinct geopolitical contexts, the book provides a cross-contextual understanding of politico-ideological mobilisation and violence. By exploring the unique dynamics and challenges faced in Lebanon, Switzerland, and Canada, it offers valuable insights into the broader global landscape of conflict and radicalisation.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the complex interplay between politico-ideological mobilisation, violence, and individual agency. By offering a rich tapestry of life stories, it provides a deeper understanding of the factors that drive individuals to engage in political activism and the pathways that lead them to embrace or reject violence. It is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in comprehending the complex dynamics of contemporary conflict and the search for peace.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032251226