The conflict between Islamic State and al-Qaʿida is the most consequential development regarding Islamist movements in the post-2001 period, with evidence of sustained fighting in Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, the Sahel, and Afghanistan. While many have commented on the violent rivalry, no one has situated this jihadist infighting in a broader context until now. Tore Hamming’s ambitious Jihadi Politics expands our understanding of this topic by transcending the usual focus on violence and explaining the relational dynamics of the groups that make up the heart of Sunni jihadism. His careful use of primary source documents, exclusive interviews with jihadi ideologues, and social media posts from all sides inform a comprehensive account of the endemic fitna (infighting) that now characterizes the movement.
Hamming describes his subject as the Sunni Jihadist Movement, Islamist groups that use violence to secure power. This includes nation-centric movements, Salafi-jihadis, and influential non-aligned jihadi scholars....