Radicalized

Review by Belfast Books Senior Reviewer @goldenbeard73

"If one was to put together a tag cloud for the words and phrases most frequently used in the media the words 'ISIS', the frankly idiotic moniker, 'So-called Islamic State', 'Syria', 'Jihadi', 'Terrorist', would all appear large. But beyond the sensational headlines what are the stories behind them? These are the building blocks for Professor Peter Neumann's grimly fascinating study , 'Radicalized. New Jihadist and The Threat to the West.'

Neumann is Professor of Security Studies at King's College London and his position as an expert in this field lends a frightening authenticity to what he has to say in this book. The basic premise is that we are living at the beginning of a new wave of terror in the West, one that is likely to occupy governments, security services and societies for decades to come.

The first part of the book examines the proponents and actors of terror from the anarchists of fin de siècle Europe in the 19th century, to the anti-colonialists, the new left terrorists of the 70s such as the Baader-Meinhoff group, to the religious wave of the Afghan mujahideen and subsequent to those, the jihadism of Osama Bin Laden. This section is particularly interesting in that it shows a similar modus operandi going through all these disparate groupings - the 'propaganda of the deed' is paramount in their thinking. What use being a terrorist if not carrying out acts that terrify? Think Paris, think Nice, or think 9/11, and searing images of people in terror spring immediately to mind.

So what about this new wave...the Islamic State wave? This occupies the second part of the book. This is where the author and his researchers really get into the meat of what makes these people tick. By carrying out face to face interviews with these new Jihadists as well as scouring their most potent propaganda tool, social media, we are given a thorough picture of the ideology and motivation of those who have flocked to Syria from the West in the last few years. What emerges is complex and multifaceted, much more so than the common image portrayed in the media. A story that is underpinned by total dedication to the idea of the Islamic State and it's global aims. And this is the difference that marks ISIS...it's proponents see it as a geographical entity, a proto state. No matter that it is an expansionist state that will face problems when it runs out of territory to conquer, or loses territory to those it fights against, the devotees will continue to fight and proclaim the Caliphate.

After spending the majority of the book telling the story and painting a quite frightening picture, Neumann does put forward solutions for tackling the new Jihadists and his proposals require a change in tack in dealing with Islamic State. Targeted assassinations by drone strike and bombing campaigns are not enough. Solutions must be found in the Western states that these people come from. In short the West can kill as many leaders as it wants but they cannot kill the ideology.

I have nothing but admiration for Professor Neumann and his book. It is clear sighted and convincingly portrayed in its argument and he is accessible in his writing. It is an important book, a chilling book but one that is worth a few hours if your time. Superb."

Radicalized by Peter Neumann is a fairly brief analysis of how the Islamic State, ISIS or ISIL is similar and differs from previous terrorist waves and movements. It strikes the right balance between out and out fear mongering and genuine concern about the legitimate threat that ISIS poses to the Western World. Neumann gives the reader the information and clear and readable format without the verbal flourishes of academia, thus avoiding the sheer unread ability of many analysis of terrorism that proliferate in academia. This book could serve as a great primer for both students and the general public who want to get beyond all the talking heads of broadcast media on ISIS.

Radicalized

You can't watch the news in today's world, without there being mention of terrorists, ISIS, jihadists, bombings...you get the gist.

Radicalized explores what is making this generation of 'regular' young people turn extreme and become radicalized. This is a book that everyone should read. As a Muslim who absolutely condemns all these acts of terrorism, this book is accessible, engaging and so informative, it really is a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, with thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. 5*