Since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001, the terrorism literature has expanded into prevention and prediction of evolving threats. Earlier research often lacked academic rigor and empirical depth, and some newer research centered on recent attacks, ideological waves, and exists in isolation from related research in violent terrorism. Criminology, psychology, sociology, social psychology, and communications theory all offer valuable contributions, though sociological theory is still underused in terrorism studies.

The Sociology of Violent Extremism highlights the importance of a sociological approach to understanding violent extremism. It promotes established theoretical frameworks as pathways to deeper insights into the social dynamics of these phenomena. This book features interdisciplinary case studies and theoretical developments, showing the value of sociological perspectives in addressing current issues in violent extremism. The book aims to provide researchers with a theoretical "toolbox" that can be deployed in their own work, encouraging the use of sociological theories to improve the understanding of violent extremism and develop effective countermeasures. It emphasizes viewing violent extremism as a result of complex social processes embedded in societal structures.