Militant Islam

Stephen Vertigans is Reader in Sociology at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. He has written and co-written a series of books, articles and conference papers on Muslim communities, terrorism and religion, especially resurgent and militant Islam, and is currently researching a range of terror groups across the world.

Written in a clear and direct style, Stephen Vertigans’ text provides a comprehensive and reliable guide to modern Islamic movements around the world. Militant Islam is a valuable analysis of Muslim responses to the West that dispels modern myths about terrorism and holy wars. This sociological perspective on contemporary Muslim politics is a welcome addition to the literature on radicalism. Bryan Turner, National University of SingaporeAt last we have a book that brings sociological insights into religion and social movements to bear on militant Islam. It goes well beyond a narrow preoccupation with politics and al-Qa’ida, showing that militancy among Muslims is diverse and has complex causes which challenge the basis for the War on Terror. This is the kind of sociology that policy makers cannot safely ignore.James A. BeckfordProfessor Emeritus, University of Warwick

• Introduction 1. The al-Qa’ida Phenomenon and beyond: Myths and Realities 2. Militant Islam in Local, National and Transnational Networks 3. Re-Interpreting the Umma: Islamic Nationalism and Transnationalism 4. Social Closure and Takfir: The Interrelationship between Secular and Militant ‘Switchmen’ 5. Challenging the Risk Society: Contextualising the Impact of ‘Islamic’ Terrorism 6. Reacting to the Militant Risk: De-civilising in the name of Civilisation. Conclusion