next wave, The

Book Description

This investigative work examines the complex intersection of faith, radicalization, and national security in contemporary America. Catherine Herridge explores how religious extremism has evolved in the digital age, revealing the ways technology and social media platforms have become tools for spreading radical ideologies.

The book delves into specific cases of domestic terrorism, including incidents involving individuals who were born or raised in the United States yet became radicalized against their own country. Herridge investigates the story of Anwar al-Awlaki, tracing his transformation from someone once welcomed by government officials to a figure operating from Yemen who influenced violent extremists.

Through detailed reporting, the author exposes gaps in government oversight and intelligence sharing that have allowed dangerous individuals to operate within American borders. The narrative reveals how outdated legal frameworks struggle to address modern threats that exploit digital communication tools like social media and video calling platforms.

Herridge examines the broader implications of religious radicalization, questioning how institutions respond to extremist recruitment efforts and the challenges of identifying threats that emerge from within established communities. The book presents a sobering analysis of how spiritual beliefs can be distorted and weaponized, while highlighting the ongoing tension between security measures and civil liberties.

For readers seeking to understand the complex dynamics of faith and extremism in modern society, this work offers insight into one of the most pressing security challenges of our time.