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.