Publication

This paper analyzes the ideology and grand political strategy of extremist Islamist terrorist groups by applying social identity theories. The author argues that the social identity theory behind the "clash of civilizations" thesis is useful for analyzing the necessities in the war on terrorism. He argues that this "clash" is not really occurring, but is rather the end goal of Islamists extremists. The paper recommends preventing the totalitarian "ummah" from being created in order to prevent such a "clash," and suggests supporting moderate Muslims.