Explain Sayyid Qutb’s ideological evolution from a pious Muslim who was nonetheless optimistic about studying in the United States to someone with intensely anti-American views. Which aspects of American culture did Qutb find troubling? How did he link these elements to the Egyptian government? How might Qutb have misunderstood or overly generalized American society?

Here, the student is encouraged to examine their own culture and its international influence through Qutb’s eyes in an effort to understand his views. This question also addresses how misunderstanding between societies causes conflict.

Explain how how Ayman al-Zawahiri came to adopt Qutb’s ideology in his early life. What additions or modifications did Zawahiri make to these views? How are these views related to Zawahiri’s personal experiences?

This questions helps the student understand Wright’s argument that extremist beliefs are a combination of ideology and personal resentments. It also...