Spear to the West: Thought and Recruitment in Violent Jihadism

Stephen Chan's book Spear to the West examines the ideological foundations that allow ISIS and other jihadi groups to survive, propagating terror online and thrusting their spear at the West. He argues that without a counter-ideology, alienated Muslim youth are drawn to glamorised dreams of violence and the pull of a totalising system of politics and theology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2019
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The apparent demise of ISIS has raised questions about the future of jihadism in world politics. In his groundbreaking book, Stephen Chan delves into the ideological underpinnings that enable ISIS and other jihadi groups to persist, employing sophisticated online tactics to propagate terror and target the West. Contrary to the simplistic portrayal of these organizations as mere violent extremists, Chan presents a nuanced understanding of their recruitment processes, highlighting the meaningful and thoughtful nature of their online endeavors. He examines the foundations of jihadi thought and the step-by-step methods employed for indoctrination, exposing the lack of IT knowledge among Western world leaders. Chan also urges the moderate Islamic community in the West to confront jihadi ideology with a courageous and non-violent alternative, emphasizing the need for a counter-ideology to combat the allure of glamorized dreams of violence and the pull of a totalizing system of politics and theology.

Spear to the West challenges the notion of thoughtless jihadi carnage by demonstrating that there is more depth and complexity to this phenomenon of destruction than meets the eye. Chan dissects the fallacy of simplistic jihadi violence, arguing that it is driven by a range of factors, including political grievances, religious extremism, and a desire for social change. Through his comprehensive analysis, Chan sheds light on the complex dynamics that fuel jihadism, providing insights into the minds of those who embrace this ideology.

In conclusion, the defeat of ISIS has not eliminated jihadism from world politics. Rather, it has prompted a deeper examination of the ideological foundations that support these organizations. Stephen Chan's book, Spear to the West, offers a valuable contribution to this ongoing debate by providing a comprehensive analysis of jihadi thought, recruitment processes, and the challenges faced by the moderate Islamic community in the West. By challenging jihadi ideology with a courageous and non-violent alternative, we can work towards a more peaceful and inclusive global society.

Weight: 202g
Dimension: 131 x 190 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787381308