Master Narratives of Islamist Extremism

Master narratives are key elements of culture and civic life. They provide individuals and communities with explanations about who they are, where they came from, what they believe and why they believe it, and offer expectations for behavior and goals for leading a good, proper, just, honorable, or righteous life.

Islamist extremists engage the master narratives of Muslim culture for their own purposes. They weave a vision of a world plagued by imposters who pretend to be believers but are poised to destroy the ummah from within. There are also barbarians at the gates who want to colonize and subjugate the Muslims, and who cooperate with the imposters in their nefarious plots. The only hope for defense is eternal vigilance and the heroism of champions and martyrs.

Master Narratives of Islamist Extremism allows those working against these narratives to better understand how extremists paint this picture and how to craft effective counter measures. This interdisciplinary collaboration appeals not only to strategic communication practitioners, but also to scholars interested in the history of religion, Muslim societies and cultures, and communication studies.

Recent Endorsements and Reviews

Extraordinarily rich in historical depth, and far-reaching in its implications, an authoritative text on the ideological master narratives of extremists has finally arrived. This outstanding book offers essential reading for all those involved in crafting strategic policy aimed at combating extremist narratives. —John Horgan, Director, International Center for the Study of Terrorism, Penn State University
Rigorous, engaging and immediately applicable - using the concept of a master narrative, the authors provide concrete answers to one of today’s most pressing question: "What makes al-Qaeda’s message so compelling?" This book is a must read for anyone - students, practitioners and analysts - who wants to better understand al-Qaeda's messaging strategies and identify effective ways to counter al-Qaeda's resonance. —Jarret Brachman, author, Global Jihadism: Theory and Practice, and Managing Director, Cronus Global
Master Narratives of Islamist Extremism is a much needed volume that will enhance discourse on ways to counter violent Islamist ideology. It also provides a higher level of situational awareness by immersing oneself in the language and vocabulary of militant Islamists who are a threat to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. —Commander Youssef Aboul-Enein, Adjunct Islamic Studies Chair at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, and author of Militant Islamist Ideology: Understanding the Global Threat, writing in Small Wars Journal.