Jihadist Ideology of Globalization

This week in class we discussed the cultural dimension of Globalization as well as ideologies of Globalization. In Steger's short introduction of Globalization, he takes two chapters to focus on these topics. While reading his insight on ideologies, I found that he explored the Arab World in depth, mentioning the region's radical ideological movements. Steger notes that there are three ideologies: market, justice and jihadist. To focus on the Arab Region we will look closely at Jihadist globalism. It is not be mistaken with the religion of Islam, but it more is directed towards the dangerous, violent actions such as terrorist strategies. Jihad literally means "armed or unarmed struggle against unbelief purely for the sake of God." For example, Al-Quada's core ideological claim is to rebuild a unified global Islamic community of believers through jihad.

 Al-Quada leader Osama bin Laden has claimed that the 9/11 attack was a response to the influence America has had on his nation. This 'Americanization' has forced outside ideas on Muslim peoples and has upset those who seek an authentic and pure form of their religion. He believes that the 'Judeo-Crusader alliance' has had an eighty-year history of disgrace and humilition directed toward the Islam community. Therefore, Jihadist globalism "seeks to mobilize the global Muslim community of believers in defence of allegedly Islamic values and beliefs that are thought to be under severe attack by the forces of secularism and consumerism."

In the book "Al-Quada, Salafi Jihad, and the Diffusion of Suicide Attacks: The Globalization of Martyrdom," Assaf Moghadam adds on to that definition by stating that one adopts "Jihad as a method for change so that the 'Word of God' becomes supreme." Moghadam explains that there is a globalization of suicide missions rising that is interrelated with the Jihadist globalism. Looking at the bigger picture, Globalization is not only affecting the movement of goods and products, but also ideas and beliefs as well.



Steger, M.B. (2009). Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press Inc.

Moghadam, A. (2008). Al-Quada, Salafi Jihad, and the Diffusion of Suicide Attacks: The Globalization of Martyrdom. Maryland: The John Hopkins University Press