• Korean Security Journal
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• no.41
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• pp.185-212
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• 2014

This research examines the decentralization of al-Qaida and other Salafi-jihadist terrorist groups, which is a subject of intense debate in the West. Especially, this study focused on investigating the status and evolution of al Qa'ida and other two Salafi-jihadist groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic States. These terrorist groups are currently considered as the most active Salafi-jihadist terrorist groups leading today's decentralization from Al-Qaida central terrorism network. This study also aims to examine the contemporary threats posed by the two extremely violent jihadist terrorist groups and these groups's terrorist networks. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, this study conducted content analyses with a wide range of documents reporting about Salafi-jihadist terrorists groups. Also this study utilized GTD data set drwan from START centner to provide descriptive analyses regarding IS and Boko Haram's activities and threats. On the basis of analyses, this study argues that recently the threats posed by core al Qaida has been severely weakened. Further, the broader Salafi-jihadist movement has become more decentralized among four tiers: first, core al Qaida in Pakistan; second, formal al Qa'ida affiliated groups that have sworn allegiance to core al Qaida; a number of Salafi-jihadist groups that have committed to establishing an extremist Islamic emirate without sworn allegiance to al Qaida; third, individual followers and networks inspired by al Qaida and other Salafi-jihadist groups. In concusion and discussion, this study highlights the need for a long-term engagement counter terrorism strategy against Salifi-jihadist terrorists groups on behalf of the peace and security of the world society.