Leaderless Jihad

In Leaderless Jihad, forensic psychiatrist Marc Sageman explores how Islamic terrorism has transformed in the modern era, emphasizing the role of individual, group, and online interactions in the radicalization process. Rejecting the notion that society or inherent predispositions are primary drivers, he details a four-step pathway through which Muslim youth become involved in extremism, often triggered by moral outrage rooted in personal or shared experiences. The book offers a hopeful perspective, suggesting that the zeal of jihadism is self-limiting and concludes with strategic recommendations for counterterrorism efforts.