Articles and books have been written on the phenomenon of Islamist terrorism. Most of these writings focus on some specific aspect of terrorism or the terrorist perpetrators; terrorist methods, their ideology, education level, societal hardships, etc. Much less exists that examines the terrorist phenomenon as a complex system of interlocking factors and players each with its own separate influences, motivators/precipitators and interdependent relationships.
The present study sought to address this gap by looking at terrorism not as a single phenomenon (i.e. the terrorists), but rather as a system composed of terrorist perpetrators, organizers, instigators, sponsors, local societies and observer/targets. It is suggested that terrorism is an interdependent system of variables and players and that a more complete understanding of the terrorist phenomenon can be gained by looking at it in a complex system manner.
Data was gathered by 50 open-ended face to face interviews with researchers, policymakers and those with firsthand knowlege and experience in the societies and countries where Islamist extremism arises. The following research questions were addressed:
1)What are the elements of the larger system from which Islamist radicalism and terrorism emerge?
2)What are the characteristics of each of the elements of this system?
3)What trends are evolving within this system?
4)What are policy recommendations that would strengthen moderation and weaken extremism within the various elements within the system?
Based on the results, policy recommendations were made and models were constructed of the larger system (political, cultural, religious, etc)within which Islamist extremism, radicalism and terrorism arise.