The Apocalypse and the End of History: Modern Jihad and the Crisis of Liberalism

The concept of jihad in Islam is something that has been rigorously studied since the 9/11 attacks, some 20 years ago, but alas, had received little attention outside of specific academic circles before that. Suzanne Schneider explores the role of jihad in Islam and especially in the Arab world, as well as how it has been interpreted and used since the turn of the 20th century and through the wars of liberation from European colonial rule.

Many Americans and Europeans struggle with the concept of jihad, and like many religious ideas, its meaning has changed over time as societies have changed as well. In its most basic form, jihad is often meant to be an internal struggle to be the best Muslim and follow the precepts of Islam as best as possible. Rarely did it ever mean that holy war must be made against others. Although Islamic armies did fight against their neighbors, it was more about a war of conquest than religion. Schneider looks at how different terrorist groups have taken the concept of jihad and used it for their own purposes.