The next 10 years will be quite different from the last 10. Osama bin Laden’s death is one of those catalytic moments that seize mass attention, as people sense a turning point of some kind. But what kind? Leaders who seize the chance can regain precious strategic initiative, to redefine interests and offer a fresh narrative.
For those seeking perspective on the al-Qaeda phenomenon, which reached its peak strength between 1999 and 2001, a suggestive one is the rise of violent anarchist groups in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Centred in countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Russia and Spain, this movement spread to the US and elsewhere, mainly through immigrants. A few charismatic icons, such as Prince Peter Kropotkin or Enrico Malatesta, spread the word while in exile.
The scattered groups exalted the “propaganda of the deed”. Cells of anarchists around the world, sharing little more than this common inspiration, carried out sensational attacks, including the assassination of a US president (William McKinley).