ABSTRACT
The Hofstadgroup is frequently described as a homegrown jihadist terrorist network 2 and has even been labeled a ‘quintessential’ one. 3 But to what extent is this designation justified? Before examining how and why involvement in this group came about, it must be made clear what participants were becoming involved in. The present chapter discusses what the Hofstadgroup was by critically examining the characteristics commonly attributed to it, beginning with its ‘homegrown’ dimension and continuing to its ideology. Subsequently, the chapter discusses the Hofstadgroup’s organizational characteristics and finally the degree to which it was communally involved in terrorism.
