Combating Terrorism Center at West Point Launches Jihadi Biographes Project

The Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) at West Point has launch the publication of papers as part of a series devoted to the study of jihadist biographies. The purpose of this CTC project is to contribute to the knowledge of the evolution of the jihadist landscape by exploring it through the lens of the worldviews and experiences of actors who have shaped it. While some states and organizations, wittingly or unwittingly, contributed to the growth of the jihadist enterprise, it may be argued that modern jihadism, as it continues to unfold, is also the product of individuals, who made it into the global phenomenon that it is.

As the CTC studies the biographies of jihadists, we are faced with a world crowded with different and differing worldviews. Beneath the banner of jihad that seemingly unites jihadists worldwide is a world marked not just by cooperation between groups and individuals, but also by competition and divisions. Some of the jihadists who occupy that world are characterized by a commitment to idealistic goals, by acumen, skills and agility; others are driven by sectarianism, criminal disposition and opportunism; while others manifest an odd combination of all. That is why the actions emanating from the jihadist landscape are the results of an amalgam of strategy, sophisticated planning and targeting, randomness, and juvenile enthusiasm. It is for these reasons and more that the complexity of the jihadist landscape requires different layers of analyses and a rigorous and patient approach to the subject.

In short, the study of jihadism is about both the “forest” and the “trees”; and this series of biographies is a study of the “trees” as they are situated in the broader “forest.”

The CTC hopes that the launch of this series would encourage researchers to contribute to this endeavor. CTC welcomes contributions not just about prominent jihadists (i.e., renowned ideologues and leaders), but also by lesser known figures whose activities contributed to the growth of jihadism or contributed to a notable success and/or failure. Biographies of financiers, military trainers, educators in training camps (including those who teach history, literature, religious sciences, spying, topography, computer etc), operatives and strategists are highly encouraged.

EDITORS NOTE: Proposals should be sent to the series Editor, Dr. Nelly Lahoud, at: nelly.lahoud@usma.edu

JIHADIST BIOGRAPHIES

	Abu al-Layth al-Libi
	Khattab
	Mokhtar Belmokhtar

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