Precedented Yet Unparalleled: How New is the "New Terrorism" of the Al Qaeda Network?
Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Alcock, Frank
Keywords
Terrorism, Al Qaeda, 9/11
Area of Concentration
Political Science
Abstract
On September 11, 2001, politicians and academic experts on terrorism decried the attacks in New York and Washington as unprecedented and unparalleled. The truth is that the Al Qaeda network represents a new organizational form, with unprecedented capacity; however, the organization's goals, ideology and strategy have deep roots in the history of terrorism and radical Islam. This thesis looks at the pre-9/11 literature on terrorism, and its failure to provide coherent insight into the nature of terrorism, or even a generally acceptable definition of terrorism. It goes on to trace the known precedents of Al Qaeda in the history of terrorism, as well as its ideological roots in the history of radical Islam. I then take a detailed look at the Al Qaeda organization itself and its role in the greater global network of radical Islamists. Finally, I reflect on pitfalls of studying terrorism strictly through any one lens as it becomes increasingly necessary to combine different perspectives in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of existent organizations.
Recommended Citation
Grandwilliams, Harrison Duke, "Precedented Yet Unparalleled: How New is the "New Terrorism" of the Al Qaeda Network?" (2009). Theses & ETDs. 4113.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4113