This essay examines the historical and socio-political catalysts behind the rise of radical political Islam in the second half of the 20th century, tracing its evolution from early Islamic thought to a global ideological force. Rooted in 9th-century Hanbali traditions emphasizing scriptural fidelity, Islamism transitioned from theological discourse to militant practice in the modern era. Four interrelated factors drove this radicalization: First, the collapse of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 dismantled a unifying Islamic authority, sparking fragmented efforts to revive Islamic governance, which later shifted toward radical movements. Second, intensified Western colonial influence post-World War II—particularly the establishment of Israel—exacerbated anti-Western sentiment, transforming geopolitical and religious tensions into catalysts for extremism. Third, the dissolution of alliances between Islamists and secular nationalists after decolonization created internal strife, as seen in Egypt’s conflict between the Muslim Brotherhood and Nasser’s regime. Finally, technological advancements enabled cross-regional mobilization (e.g., Afghan jihadists) and globalized propaganda (e.g., digital dissemination of radical ideologies). The convergence of these factors facilitated radical Islamism’s ascendancy, providing ideological and logistical frameworks for transnational extremism. The essay concludes that while Islamist thought has deep historical roots, its 20th-century radicalization emerged from specific post-colonial realities, geopolitical conflicts, and technological innovations, reshaping it into a pervasive global movement.

Political Islam, Islamism, Fundamentalism

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