Overview

Although terrorism is an age-old phenomenon, jihadi ideology is distinctive in its ambition to abandon the principle of state sovereignty, overthrow the modern state system, and replace it with an extremely radical interpretation of an Islamic world order. These characteristics reflect a radical break from traditional objectives promoted by terrorist groups. In Combating Jihadism Barak Mendelsohn argues that the distinctiveness of the al-Qaeda threat led the international community to change its approach to counterterrorism. Contrary to common yet erroneous conceptions, the United States, in its role as a hegemon, was critical for the formulation of a multilateral response.While most analyses of hegemony have focused on power, Mendelsohn firmly grounds the phenomenon in a web of shared norms and rules relating to the hegemon’s freedom of action. Consequently, he explains why US leadership in counterterrorism efforts was in some spheres successful, when in others it failed or did not even seek to establish multilateral collaborative frameworks. Tracing the ways in which international cooperation has stopped terrorist efforts, Combating Jihadism provides a nuanced, innovative, and timely reinterpretation of the war on terrorism and the role of the United States in leading the fight against al-Qaeda and its affiliates.

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9780226520124

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This book is essential reading for international relations scholars on all levels, from the newest undergraduates to more seasoned researchers and professionals, and it should have a place on every library shelf by virtue of the novelty of the argument and approach. (Choice)

In Combating Jihadism , Mendelsohn not only demonstrates a remarkable knowledge of the complex webs and networks which constitute the core of today's international terrorist threat, but he also effectively details how states have responded to such a challenge. Thus, this is one of the very few books written since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that bridges the gap between the study of contemporary global terrorism and international relations theory. As a result, it is sure to stimulate wide interest in both academic and policy making circles, and is destined to join the list of works that are required reading for any with an interest in the origins, development, and future of terrorism in the contemporary international system. --Allen Carlson, Cornell University<br> <br>--Allen Carlson (03/19/2009)

"""This book is essential reading for international relations scholars on all levels, from the newest undergraduates to more seasoned researchers and professionals, and it should have a place on every library shelf by virtue of the novelty of the argument and approach."" (Choice)"""

Author Information

Barak Mendelsohn is assistant professor of political science at Haverford College and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

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