Kinza Tahir and Aiysha Safdar

Ms Kinza Tahir recently completed her MPhil in International Relations from Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore.

Dr Aiysha Safdar is the Head of the Department of International Relations, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore.

DOI: http://DOI Number

Keywords: Jihadism, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, narratives, self proclaimed agenda

Abstract

The difference in approaches to jihad from Al-Qaeda to ISIS has created new transnational challenges. This paper explores the multiple narratives of ongoing global jihad and the multiple dynamics of each narrative manifested by Al-Qaeda and ISIS. However, it is agreed that the ultimate goal of each narrative and dynamic is rooted more deeply in furthering political agendas without having much to do with Islam. This paper argues that jihadist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS must be studied separately to draw reliable conclusions and further develop the knowledge surrounding violent Islamist groups. The paper suggests that to fight the existing narratives adopted by these and other jihadist organisations, an alternative narrative should be developed. However, this should be kept in mind that the alternative narrative cannot fully replace the existing jihadist narratives.

First Published

December 25, 2020

How to Cite

Kinza Tahir and Aiysha Safdar, “Dynamics of Global Jihad Narrative: A Case Study of Al-Qaeda and ISIS,” Regional Studies 38, no.4 (Winter 2020): 83-104, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/dynamics-of-global-jihad-narrative-a-case-study-of-al-qaeda-and-isis/

Issue

Volume 38, Issue 4