Description: Ingram journeys through over a century of history in the first full length examination of the charismatic leadership phenomenon in Islamist radicalism and militancy. Exhaustively researched and founded upon a suite of innovative multidisciplinary paradigms, this book features case studies of Hassan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Abdullah Azzam, Osama Bin Laden and Anwar al-Awlaki. An authoritative analysis of a phenomenon largely ignored by scholars of both charismatic leadership and Islamism. This ground-breaking investigation offers important insights into the complex nuances that drive the rise and evolution of not only Islamist militancy but radical and militant groups more broadly.
Review Quotes: 'This work definitively establishes the linkage between leadership and radical Islamism. In demonstrating how figures such as Sayyid Qutb and Osama Bin Laden both build on and themselves produce charismatic capital, it speaks to urgent public concerns while also helping us to understand how to study evolving militant movements.' James Piscatori, Durham University, UK 'The charismatic leaders of the radical Islamist movement - from Sayyid Qutb to Osama bin Laden - are analyzed in this intriguing study. It shows how they build on chains of charismatic leadership in order to craft their own authoritative images. This is a study that tells us much about the human side of radical Islamist ideology, and about the role of leadership in social movements in general.' Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, USA 'This book approaches mass movement, radical and militant Islamism in light of social theory. It merges theories of charismatic leadership, identity and radicalisation to underline the transformative charisma phenomenon in Islamist movements. ... I particularly recommend the book for graduate students and scholars of religious studies. Those with a background in social sciences will appreciate it the most. It could also benefit advanced readers with an interest in Islam and politics.' Theological Book Review