I have spent the past seven months working with Abdel Bari Atwan on this in depth study of the Islamic State, its origins, ideology, ambitions and how it can be combated. It was difficult project which took its toll emotionally, especially the chapter on ‘The Management of Savagery’ and the use of ultra-violence throughout history as psychological warfare. But we have produced a definitive and objective study of this new phenomenon and the real and present danger it poses not only to the Islamic world but to our own shores.

The BBC’s Gavin Esler was kind enough to describe our book thus:

‘This is a brave and important book. It lifts the lid on how Islamic State and al-Qa‘ida combine an ideology of 1,000 years ago with the use of 21st century information technology to spread their messages. In the propaganda and cyber war, they are winning converts from all over the world. If you want to understand what motivates those prepared to behead hostages and post the results on the internet, and why a minority of Western educated Muslims find these repulsive actions so attractive, then this book is a must-read. If we refuse to understand why some are attracted to the ideals Islamic State, then the chances of defeating it solely on the battlefield are slim.’ Gavin Esler

It will be published by Saqi on 9 May 2015