The Rise of Contemporary Violent Islamist Extremism

Abstract

This chapter examines the historical context of the current wave of extremism, recounting the unfolding of the war on terror declared by President George W. Bush in the aftermath of the tragic attacks by Al Qaeda on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon. It discusses the fight against Al Qaeda core in the Pakistan–Afghanistan region and the spread of Al Qaeda’s spirit and influence to the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Central and Southeast Asia. It notes the formation of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the spread of its influence around the globe, and the successes it had in inspiring scores of foreign fighters to join its ranks. Finally, it assesses the likely future developments in the war on terror and its likely impact on world politics and international relations.