Mobilization for Violent Politicized Islam

'Some of the best work on terrorism is not the product of government or think tank initiatives with big budgets but comes from independent researchers writing their Ph.D. thesis on a shoestring budget. Dr Noor Zitzmann's dissertation is a fine example of this. Her bottom-up empirical study, based on courageous field work, challenges many of the standard explanations about the radicalisation of young people who join a foreign jihad – in this case, Kenyan Muslims who joined al-Shabaab in Somalia.' Alex P. Schmid, Distinguished Fellow, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, The Hague 'This book is a compelling exploration of the intricate nexus between exclusionary political processes, religious identities, and violent mobilization in East Africa. The result is a fresh perspective on the dynamics of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and their ability to exploit Kenya’s stratified polity. Through meticulous research and analysis, this book sheds light on the multifaceted factors that lead individuals to join violent groups, weaving together the intricate connections between Al-Qaeda's transnational network, religious narratives, and the repressive practices experienced by certain communities in Kenya. By examining how local, regional, and international dimensions of Al-Shabaab's militancy converge in Kenya, Noor provides a comprehensive understanding of the group's strategies and the broader implications for the region's security. This nuanced and empirically-grounded research stands as a valuable contribution to the study of radicalization and political violence.' Mohamed Hafez, University of California, US