Al Qaeda's Millenarian Doctrine: Implications for US Policy

Abstract

Abstract : The US is facing a new enemy who is guided by extreme, fanatical, and narrowly defined theocratic principles. Al Qaeda's tactics, techniques, and procedures may seem to mimic those of other terrorist groups but their end state objectives are radically different than other groups bent on establishing a homeland or replacing an existing government. Killing of innocent civilians is not something new for terrorist tactics and Al Qaeda is certainly no different in this regard. The difference lies with the fact that Al Qaeda is guided by a religious ideology in pursuit of apocalyptically guided objectives. These concepts portrayed by Al Qaeda make them unique when compared to other terrorist organizations. This study will focus on what makes Al Qaeda's movement millenarian or messianic in nature and then describe the new conditions facing the United States today as a result of having a fanatical actor as Al Qaeda as a belligerent. The analysis will use Norman Cohn's theory of millenarianism and that of other scholars like Dr. James Rinehart who have studied such movements. Finally, the paper provides a road map or strategy that the US could use to prosecute a war against such an actor.