About Book

In New Political Religions, or an Analysis of Modern Terrorism, Barry Cooper examines the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of modern terrorism through the lens of Eric Voegelin’s political philosophy. Cooper argues that a key omission in many contemporary studies of terrorism is the neglect of the "spiritual motivation" that drives terrorists. He critiques the simplification of this motivation into the broad and often misunderstood category of religion, suggesting that Voegelin’s more nuanced approach offers a clearer understanding of the phenomenon. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the ways in which terrorism can be interpreted as a modern form of political religion, shaped by ideological, spiritual, and political factors. It provides a conceptual framework for understanding terrorism beyond the conventional religious analysis, offering a fresh perspective on the motivations behind terrorist acts. Relevance to Current Era: This book provides a unique and philosophical perspective on the motivations behind terrorism, addressing the ideological and spiritual elements that drive contemporary terrorism. This analysis is highly relevant in understanding the deeper roots of modern conflicts and violent ideologies.Cooper's application of Voegelin’s insights into modern terrorism provides a thought-provoking addition to any repository focused on terrorism, counter-terrorism, and understanding extremist ideologies.