Module 18: Extremism in the Name of Islam

The Soviet–Afghan War (1979–1989) was one of the most important turning points in the rise of modern Sunni jihadist extremism.

The Iranian Revolution (1978–1979) began as a broad coalition against the shah that included Islamists, secular liberals, Marxists, student groups, and other opponents of the regime.

The seven conditions we will look at are: (1) War, Conflict, and Political Instability, (2) Power Vacuums and Weak Governance, (3) Ideological Framing and Religious Justification, (4) Identity, Grievance, and Perceived Injustice, (5) Recruitment, Networks, and Social Influence, (6) Strategic Use of Violence and Fear, (7) External Support and Global Connections.

The six Islamist extremist categories that we will look at are: Ideological Foundations, Politico-Militant Organizations, Global Jihadist Terrorist Organizations, Regional Jihadist Insurgencies, State-Controlled Islamist Movements, and Extreme Evolution of Jihadist Movements.

Extremism refers to beliefs, ideologies, or actions that exist far outside the accepted norms of a society, often characterized by rigid thinking, intolerance of opposing views, and a willingness to use extreme measures—including violence, kidnapping, torture, and terrorism—to achieve ideological, political, or religious goals.

Module 18 examines extremism carried out in the name of Islam and argues that these movements are not all the same. It begins by defining extremism as rigid, intolerant ideology often tied to coercion and violence, then shows that Islamist extremist groups differ in structure and goals. The module traces several major types, including ideological movements, politico-militant groups, transnational jihadist organizations, regional insurgencies, state-controlling movements, and extreme state-building projects like ISIS.