Incitement

Make no mistake, this is a very important book. The meticulously researched description of al-Awlakis ideology, his charisma, and his influence on a whole generation of Salafi jihadists should make this required reading for policymakers, practitioners, and academics alike. Anyone who is seriously interested in trying to understand what the future of global jihad might look like should pay very careful attention to the past, and I have seen no more coherent description nor compelling analysis than this. But beyond that, the very readability of this book should bring it to a wider audience. The narrative is incredibly powerful. -- Peter Clarke, former Head of Counter Terrorism at New Scotland Yard and UK National Co-ordinator of Terrorist Investigations, 20022008 With forensic research and deep scholarship, Meleagrou-Hitchens traces the spiritual and political evolution of al-Qaedas most prominent recruiter of Westerners, the American preacher Anwar al-Awlaki. A major contribution to the study of religious violence. -- Scott Shane, author of <i>Objective Troy</i> and veteran <i>New York Times</i> national security reporter Anwar al-Awlaki was one of the foremost prophets of modern global terrorismIncitement documents Awlakis journey through the ideological and political dynamics that have defined contemporary IslamismThe author reveals a figure shaped by both fundamental beliefs and shifting applications of them. -- Mardean Isaac * Times Literary Supplement * Jihadism is here; its not leaving anytime soon, and we need to understand it so we can better fight itAn outstanding book on the subject and has much to teach us on the nature of homegrown jihadism. -- David Patrikarakos * The Spectator * A fascinating analysis of the career of this most dangerously charismatic of fanaticsMeleagrou-Hitchens has provided an essential analysis of the career of one of jihads most successful devotees and enlightened us as to the broader nature of Islamic holy warIf you want to understand the nature of Islamic terrorism and its evolution, look no furtherIf we want to combat the ideology that leads to such violence, we must understand it. Incitement will be central to that understanding. -- Daniel James Sharp * Areo * A rigorous analysis of American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlakis influence on the global jihadist movement[Meleagrou-Hitchenss] lucid and deeply informed presentation reveals just how difficult it is to stamp out extremist ideologies once theyve taken root. This sobering account makes a meaningful contribution to the study of terrorism. * Publishers Weekly * A fascinating insight into al-Awlakis personal ideological evolution and how he became so effective in communicating the Salafi-Jihadist messageYou cant help but see just why al-Awlaki was and remains so effective as a communicator and recruiterMeleagrou-Hitchens is an excellent guide. -- Joshua Huminski * Diplomatic Courier * Illustrates the long tail of one ideological figureIncitement shows how Awlakiinitiated a new departure in mass violence. -- Damien McElroy * The National * Incitement presents the most comprehensive and incisive analysis available of the American-born al-Qaeda ideologue and recruiter Anwar al-Awlaki. Meleagrou-Hitchens masterfully assesses al-Awlakis emergence as the face of Western jihad during the War on Terrors first decade and provides new insights regarding his messaging and recruitment methods, his impact, and his legacy. -- Bruce Hoffman, Georgetown University, author of <i>Inside Terrorism</i> A deep, insightful journey into one of the most extraordinary terrorist legacies ever witnessed. Incitement connects the dots between Western jihadisms Pied Piper and his far-flung devotees. Meleagrou-Hitchenss brilliant analysis gives us an essential account that should be read by researchers and national security professionals alike. --

Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens is Lecturer in Terrorism and Radicalisation at Kings College London and Research Director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. He writes regularly for major periodicals on both sides of the Atlantic, including Foreign Affairs, Prospect, and Foreign Policy.