Date of Graduation

Spring 2013

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

Andrei Shoumikhin

Abstract

Violent Islamic jihadism remains a threat to the United States and its interests abroad. Al Qaeda will not be satisfied with the removal of American troops from the Middle East or the cessation of American engagement with Middle Eastern governments. Instead, al Qaeda and its ideological followers will continue to attack societies and countries that, in their view, threaten the ability of jihadists to construct a truly Islamic society. This thesis assesses jihadism and evaluates the current status of the jihadist movement. The first part of this thesis contains a discussion of important issues involving ideology that are critical for understanding jihadism. This thesis then examines jihadist groups throughout the Middle East and North Africa, their goals, and their capabilities. Jihadists are strategically prosecuting a global insurgency following the Arab Spring. Jihadists employ the internet as part of this insurgency. A critical factor in the future of jihadism is the role of Islamist organizations in the governments of Muslim countries. This thesis compares U.S. intervention in Libya and non-intervention in Syria in light of ongoing jihadist activity in those countries. Finally, this thesis presents an assessment of the future of jihadism and provides recommendations for U.S. counterterrorism policy. The United States must take aggressive action against jihadist groups in Africa and the Middle East. Protection of American interests, the security of allies abroad, and regional stability will continue to demand American leadership and military capabilities.

Keywords

jihad, Islam, Middle East, political Islam, sharia, jihadist, Islamist, Salafist, Muslim Brotherhood, Arab Spring, caliphate, al Qaeda, Egypt, Syria

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Matthew Aaron Lytwyn

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