Publication

The authors argue that the alignment of the GSPC with al‐Qaeda represents a significant change in the group’s strategy, but also that its decision to join al‐Qaeda’s global jihad should be understood as an act of desperation. Some observers have speculated that North Africa may be the next safe‐haven for al‐Qaeda, and that European countries may face a greater risk of attack if Algerian terrorist groups expand their base of support in Europe. The authors argue that the alignment of the GSPC with al‐Qaeda represents a significant change in the group’s strategy, but also that its decision to join al‐Qaeda’s global jihad should be understood as an act of desperation.