ABSTRACT
This chapter explores Islamic extremism as both an ideology and a social movement. It outlines the underlying political narratives and practical activities associated with the fellowship of Islamic extremists. The Islamist extremist fellowship in Europe is structurally, procedurally, and spiritually analogous to the organisation known as Narcotics Anonymous. What is the nature of the political ideology that helped transform our subjects from drug addicts into martyr terrorists? Pervasive across the entire fellowship, extremists believe that western states including Russia are engaged in a generational campaign to suppress Islam. The primary purpose of the global Islamist extremist fellowship is to re-establish the Islamic Caliphate. Deeply entrenched in the extremist ideology is a visceral hatred of Jews and the State of Israel. For the men in our study with a history of substance misuse, martyrdom offered an opportunity to make amends to friends, family, themselves, and God.
