Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the role of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT) as an agent within Western political systems, analyses the evolution of HT into an “organisation-like” agent and shows how HT was able to expand globally, attracting new members while retaining old ones. The book highlights how HT’s evolution into an “organisation-like” actor has assured a high degree of flexibility that enables the group to meet local needs while being strongly connected with central leadership. It discusses how HT challenges Western political and social states and stresses HT’s vision of da’wah as a call to embrace the group’s vision of Islam also for all Muslims who are not part of the group. The book presents the analysis of HT’s role as an agent, exploring the organisation’s agency in relation to two other similar Islamist groups.