Deciphering Ayman Al-Zawahiri and Al-Qaeda’s Strategic and Ideological Imperatives

This research paper explores the current strategic and ideological agenda of al-Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri. To better understand how al-Zawahiri aims to retain international relevance, survival andsustainability, the paper assesses al-Zawahiri’s speeches and actions in recent years that articulate his world-viewobjectives. Importantly, this paper will argue that although the “Far Enemy” remains a priority, and will not beabandoned by al-Qaeda, al-Zawahiri has renewed the terrorist group’s emphasis on the “Near Enemy” and seeksto create safe bases across the Islamic world for al-Qaeda and its affiliates to function and grow. This paper willalso illustrate that it would be naive to dismiss al-Zawahiri and al-Qaeda’s relevance as a global threat as theEgyptian is laying the foundations for al-Qaeda’s future. The paper also compares and contrasts al-Zawahiri’shistorical motivations and how that fits into his current doctrine. Lastly, this paper dissects al-Zawahiri’sparadoxical nature and mixed messaging which could impact on al-Qaeda’s attempts to replenish the terroristgroup’s ranks.