Global Takfiri Radicalization: A Center of Gravity Deconstruction
Abstract
In the aftermath of 11 September 2001, the U.S. initiated two military campaigns with the desired goal of eradicating the threat of transnational terrorism. The unexpected difficulties encountered in defeating al Qaeda, may be a result of the failure to defeat the enemy's center of gravity. This paper asserts that the extremist takfiri ideology holding al Qaeda and associated movements together is the center of gravity, and for long-term success the ideology must be defeated or neutralized. The identified center of gravity was deconstructed to identify the critical factors and decisive points required to strip the ideology of the support it needs to be successful. Four lines of effort were identified through this deconstruction and serve as recommendations for the development of operational planning constructs for the defeat of takfiri ideology. Finally, the paper draws conclusions that this extremist ideology is both a strategic center of gravity, the binding ideology that holds al Qaeda's leadership together, and an operational center of gravity for the diverse group of loosely linked organizations under the al Qaeda banner.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA535571
Entities
People
- Steven W. Newell
Organizations
- Naval War College